What's Up with 'Dat'!

Miami Dade County Courthouse And My Subpoena Experience

2022-03-23T14:51:00.015-07:00

I was called to jury duty recently. That was my third subpoena, but it was my first time at the ancient Miami Dade County Courthouse building at 71 Flagler Street downtown Miami. I was curious to know how the court would handle the situation in this Covid epidemic atmosphere. The two entrances were opened as usual to the public - one on Flagler Street and the other on NW 1st Avenue. Items were scanned upon entry and body scans could be done if there was a beep going through the metal detector. All were expected to wear masks. But, there were no temperature checks so anyone with a fever or Covid could have easily entered this old, crowded building.

It appears that instead of calling numbers in a room packed with all receiving subpoenas, it is now predetermined the day and courtroom for persons to show up. Approximately 24 of us potential jurists waited outside the assigned courtroom. However, it was disappointing that we were expected to get to the courthouse at 8:00 AM, but the bailiff did not usher us into the courtroom until past 9:30 AM at which time the attorneys for the civil case seemed unprepared on Monday morning. The judge began the questioning close to 10:00 AM to begin the process for the civil case instead of us having to wait on unprepared attorneys in the packed small courtroom with a huge column blocking the view for all at every angle.

The judge made the grand usual speech on our expectations as citizens to serve on a jury and that excuses not to serve would go against the perceptions of being a U.S. citizen. But, her utterance of $8 per day was a bit startling and a slap in the face to me. Now, $15 a day at Miami Dade County's criminal court seemed outrageous when I was called to jury duty there some years ago. So $8 for service at this courthouse seemed beyond outrageous. Actually, it is downright inconsiderate and disrespectful! Clearly, the court has no sympathy or consideration for those workers and others who will not be paid for taking a day off for jury duty. So, federal judges with their six-figure salaries cannot dictate to others about the nobleness of serving on a jury when they will never experience the financial hardships of taking off even one day from work. This lack of respect for my time gives me the impetus of not considering jury duty as an honor.

A quite capable white Anglo woman was convincing in the judge's eyes, so she was released prior to the voir dire. However, others were not so lucky! Such sympathies were not extended to the issues of two minority potential jurists. Understanding the lawyers' questions or not, the judge spitefully kept them right up until the end of jury selection. Nevertheless, I and others dismissed were happily relieved that we would not have to return to the antiquated Miami Dade County Courthouse at 71 Flagler Street for another non-productive, unpaid day.

Non-Concession of U.S. Elections - A Scene From a Dictatorship

2020-11-08T21:03:00.001-08:00

It was expected....Trump suggested that he would not go easily if he lost the 2020 election. But, it is unimaginable that he would further tarnish his reputation by stubbornly holding out after losing not only the electoral college but the popular vote. However, one has to wonder if he simply has a fear of the unknown that he will have to face when he returns to becoming a regular citizen. The legal protections that afford him as president will no longer be available. After four years of using the legal system at his every desire, it will be difficult to no longer have that safeguard. More so, the high expenses for frivolous legal challenges will come out of his pocket and no longer be taxpayers' responsibility. Yes, it's frightening to go back to the real world and give up so many benefits that have afforded an untouchable life. But, eventually, the dream will end and reality will return. It's just a matter of time.

Missing Fathers - You Can be Denied When Your Children Grow Up To Be Famous

2020-11-08T20:23:00.002-08:00

Too often, men make babies but disappear when it's time to be a part of their children's lives. Too often, mothers are burdened with the responsibilities of having to also take on additional responsibilities when there is no father. Too often, these men move on with their lives and start other families without making any effort to see or support their children from previous relationships. These men do not consider that more often than not, these abandoned children are inspired by the hard work and dedication of their mothers. These children see how their mothers struggle to make ends meet to ensure their children have a better life. These children are inspired by their mothers to obtain higher education. They know education is a path to become successful so that they, in turn, can provide a better life for their mothers.

But, when these fatherless children become successful, too often the way-ward father miraculously appears and sometimes wants to become a part of their children's lives. They seem to have every excuse in the book why they had not taken the time to be present in the growth of their children while their mothers struggled to make ends meet. The speech of the elected Vice President, Kamala Harris, showered her mother with praise - as she always does. But, apart from mentioning that her Indian mother was married to her Jamaican father, she is silent on providing any further information on him. There was an article that Mr. Harris indicates there is no closeness between himself and his children as he was not present in their lives due to a contentious divorce. That is a shame especially at this time when the world is so proud of his daughter's many accomplishments. But, hopefully, there will be some healing between both sooner than later.

What of Donald Harris?

Covid Acceptance Versus Covid Stigma

2020-11-02T20:26:00.001-08:00

There is a difference between people in the United States who had been hospitalized for Covid 19 and those with similar situations in certain countries. In the United States, it is usual to see great fanfare and best wishes for patients who have overcome their serious Corvid battles and have been discharged. It starts for them from the hospital where the staff forms a train line on both sides, cheering with balloons, etc in celebrations that the patient is able to leave the hospital and go home. But, it doesn't stop there. News cameras show the joyous occasion to viewers as these patients are wheeled out of the hospital's entrance with accompanying family and friends as they enter their vehicles. Once the patient arrives home there may be neighbors waiting outside the house with welcoming words of support as large banners and more balloons decorate the front yard. It is a great time not only for the discharged patient but for the hospital staff and loved ones who may have thought previously that the seriousness of their family or friend meant that he or she would not have lived to see another day.

On the other hand, in some countries, the reaction towards such a patient is quite opposite. The patient holds on to a feeling of shame as he or she knows that the public, even some family members, will shun them for having the virus. So, in some countries, there is a stigma against those who have tested positive for Covid and have been hospitalized. These recovering patients are spoken about badly and many times have to leave their communities and go elsewhere to live. It is a sad reaction for people who may have caught the illness due to no fault of their own. During the initial stages of the Corvid 19, some were even staying clear of health care workers who they thought were carrying the virus. But, as months passed, many in these countries have a changed mindset on the virus. Nevertheless, for the most part, recovering patients still fear for their welfare and continue to keep the matter a secret so that they can live in peace when they return to their communities

Avoiding Covid 19 Stigma

Jamaica - Land of Sun, Fun, and Jungle Justice

2019-04-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jamaica has always been promoted as a tourist destination that is welcoming to all visitors who want to get away from their monotonous lives and enjoy a country with a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and participate in other cultural aspects of an island. The attractive side of the island is promoted on million dollar advertisements throughout North America and Europe. But, although the sun and fun notoriety are popular, the dark side of the island, such as the prevalence of jungle justice, is hidden quite well. In April 2019 Shantae Skyers, a beautiful 8 years old child, did not return from school at her customary time. Her decomposed body was found five days later in the bushes of Sterling Castle Heights, St. Andrew. A 20 something year of a man with a mental disability, Miguel Williams, with no previous criminal record became the town's suspect. Instead of waiting for the police to do their investigation, an angry mob took justice into their own hands and viciously attacked, beat, and set Miguel Williams' body on fire. During the brutality, one woman in the community, known to be a "Christian" remarked that the mob should have outed the fire for Williams to feel pain then relight the body! Now, as a result of a police investigation, men have been taken into custody for the rape and murder of Shantae Skyers. So, does that mean that Williams was innocently and senselessly murdered and his family's house burned down without cause? But, this is certainly not the first time that mob justice in Jamaica has taken place. In 2013, Dwayne Jones was beaten, stabbed, shot, and ran over by a car by a Jamaican mob for his homosexual preference. In fact, throughout time, there have been countless incidents of Jamaican mobs taking justice into their own hands with beatings and murders committed without any arrests. It must stop - let the police and court do their job!

Dwayne Jones Murdered

Broward County Community Stands Up to Parkland Shooting Victim's Mom

2019-03-18T15:33:00.003-07:00

As Lori Alhadeff wept for her daughter who was murdered in the Parkland High School massacre, she spoke in front of cameras in favor of control. Her name was subsequently entered in the November 2018 ballot to run for a seat on the Broward County School Board. Sympathetic to her grief and passionate at her stance on gun control and positive messages, Broward County citizens voted for Adhadeff to become a member of the school board. However, her plea for gun control and other causes were overshadowed since she turned her focus to Robert Runci, the Broward County Public Schools Superintendent. She made it her mission to do all that was possible to remove him as the superintendent with the aid of her supporters including the Sun Sentinel. All previous accolades and praises that Superintendent Runcie received from his own school board, national associations, and the community were not important to Adhadeff, the inexperienced school board member. She dug up all that she could possibly find to smear the superintendent's name in her effort to replace him with a person who quite possibly would not have reacted any better to a horrific mass shooting on a school campus despite vigorous Code Red policies, procedures, and drills at all Broward County schools. But, the Broward County community came out in full force to town hall meetings and spoke passionately in their defense of Mr. Runci. People from a wide cross-section ranging from parents to even a city mayor made their voices heard, and the overwhelming support was quite clear when the majority of the Broward County School Board members voted in favor of keeping Mr. Runcie. Now, Mr. Runcie must watch his back as the devious intentions of Alhadeff is still present despite her hypocritical assurance that she will "work" with him.

Ralph Northam - Only the Tip of an Iceberg

2019-02-04T17:11:00.001-08:00

Whether or not Ralph Northam is different from who he was in his younger days, as he claims, the fact is that photos in the yearbook indicate that he was associated with hurtful, racist practices while in medical school or more than likely many years prior to 1984. But, the racist photos do not only expose Northam's hidden life, but it opens the door of curiosity on:

1. A racist culture that was prevalent and apparently acceptable at, of all the places, a medical school!? For a yearbook to be published with such offensive photos of costumes that are associated with hatred of a race without any editorial scrutiny makes one wonder what editorial oversight was in place at the medical school to prevent such hurtful material from being published.

2. The lack of attentiveness in screening this candidate prior to endorsing him to run for governor since proper vetting would have certainly uncovered this yearbook that anyone could have easily gotten a hold of. It shows that no focus was given by his political party associates to digging into the past of a wealthy, white doctor who has now become a total embarrassment to them.

3. The scary thought that any of these doctors dressed in black-face or the KKK hood and robe is attending to Blacks or any minority race patients is very troubling. Moreover, the thought of Northam's graduating class or even other graduating classes from that medical school attending to people of color is frightening at the least.

4. Why Northam would be so clueless and nonchalant about admitting to blackening his face to depict Michael Jackson is mind-boggling. But, then he would not have any clue on the hurt and pain caused by the blackface caricature because he clearly indicated that he is not Black and doesn't know what it means to be Black.

Ralph Northam is the tip of an iceberg of the pain that one group of people have suffered so long after the abolition of slavery. "How long - not long....." is an opening lines from a Dr. Martin Luther King speech as he tried to encourage Blacks that changes would be coming soon. Fifty years later, in a country where racism has once again become the norm in support of the country's leadership policies, sadly Blacks and other people of color have a long, long way to go be "judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin".

Is the Federal Shutdown a Wake Up Call for All Workers in the U.S.?

2019-01-16T14:46:00.001-08:00

The federal shut down could be a wake up call not only for federal workers but for all those in the United States who believe that their jobs are secure, so they will always receive a paycheck. Well, the federal shutdown shows that no job is secure! The resourcefulness of people in developing countries means that such a shutdown would not affect them greatly since they are usually finding methods to survive even with meagre paying jobs. However, in the United States, the comfortable, high spending, living-above-means mentality that most have come to expect have left many in a bind. Certainly, it is difficult for those workers whose pay is barely above the minimum wage since they are always trying to survive the high cost of living. But, for those high paying federal workers who are now feeling the effects of not having a paycheck, one has to wonder if they never saved from those hefty federal incomes for a rainy day. The federal shutdown should never have happened and hopefully it will end soon. But, it also should be used as a teachable period of this era for Americans to not come to expect that their lives will always be comfortable even if they they have a federal job.

Broward County Witch Hunters Jump On The Bandwagon After Parkland School Shooting

2019-01-16T14:04:00.001-08:00

Now it is the time for Broward County witch hunters to jump on the blame game bandwagon and go after every possible person who held high positions that have been associated with the Parkland High School shooting in Florida. This was a sad, unforeseen incident that whoever was the superintendent, on the board, the sheriff, principal, vice principals, assistant principals etc. etc., no one could have possible anticipated or re-acted in the 100% perfect manner that the Broward County witch hunters are now expecting. Instead of focusing on the serious gun control issues, the main cause of the incident, the Broward County mob has placed their dissatisfaction on the once highly regarded school administrators who have so quickly become incompetent to them. But, that is typical of the American society who will laud a person with high praises on one day but will quickly become influenced with any groups that have established a trending cause against the person who they once lauded. The cause now is to get rid of Superintendent Robert Runcie, an African American, and quite possibly replace him with their own, another human being who would have done absolutely no better to control the Parkland shooting under the circumstances when all in America have free access to guns. But, it is America so this type of jumping on the blame game bandwagon is certainly expected for those who have nothing better to do.

Media's Complicity in Long Standing Stereotypical Perceptions of Blacks

2018-08-25T14:53:00.001-07:00

Racism will continue to prevail in the U.S. due to the media's unnoticed reactions to African Americans and others of Black descent. With continuous coverage of negatives or non-coverage of relevant Black issues, it is no wonder that perceptions of the Black race have not progressed throughout the years and appear to be going nowhere. So, the media has played a major role in the insignificant, misguided reactions and treatments that Blacks encounter everyday throughout the country. Some practices include but are not limited to:

Bringing little or no coverage to the need for aid in countries with a majority Black population especially children who are starving and dying in great numbers.

Dismissing crimes committed in Black neighborhood as common but giving prominence to those crimes in white majority neighborhood where residents are of the false impression that they are living in "good" communities where no crimes should take place

Considering stories that depicts the strength of a Black person only newsworthy if the story can be turned around to highlight a white person that affects a positive outcome. Case in point - the unexpected meeting of a former rogue cop and the man he falsely arrested was covered on different news programs. While the story of Black man's forgiveness was newsworthy, the highlight of the media's attention was on the former cop's decision to become a better person. No emphasis was made to report that this former cop was a tyrant who got gratification from detaining and planting drugs on a countless number of Black men. The media made no effort to follow up with any of the falsely convicted men to see if they were so willing to forgive the cop for making their lives a living hell.

Neglecting to cover missing Black children and adults since their stories appear not to be as newsworthy as coverage of a white child.

Placing annoying English sub-titles on Blacks' interviewed in other countries, especially the African continent, who are speaking perfect English while an audience is left to figure out with no sub-titles those from European countries who clearly show their native language is not English with their distinct accents that makes it difficult to comprehend anything they are saying.

Not focusing on accomplished Black educators, scientists, business leaders, entrepreneurs, medical professionals and other high academic achievers. But, instead, bombarding audiences with frivolous news on glorified Black entertainers and athletes. This not only gives a false impression to the public that entertainment and sports are the primary options for Blacks to become successful, but the focus makes impressionable Black youth believe that going that route is only way to achieve success.

Omitting Blacks or rather dark-skinned Blacks from television commercials. Or placing a token Black to justify that they are reprenting the race.

Overlooking industries and companies that blatantly discriminate against Blacks and people of color. For instance, over-coverage of a white model breastfeeding a baby on a run-way at Miami Fashion week when no coverage was extended to so many Black models who were rejected from bookings because of the color of their skin and their natural hair.

Featuring countries such as Haiti, Jamaica, other Caribbean and African nations by videotaping and showing the depressed communities rather than including the beautiful surroundings and middle class life-styles of residents in those countries.

Reporting on Trump's racists practices to show this and other flaws when the media is guilty of engaging in the same racial practices is hypocritical. Until the media portrays the lives of Black people as important, then perceptions of Black people's irrelevance and low capabilities will continue to be seen in instances such as: surprise reactions to learn that a Black young lady on an airplane is actually a medical doctor and can attend to a passenger in need medical attention; or the person entering the courtroom is an attorney and not a court administrative personnel; or the Black person in the store is actually an engineer, architect, professor, etc. rather than someone casing the store to steal items. Until the media considers the importance of the Black race and makes an effort to portray this in the media, then stigma will continue to exist and there will be no end to racism in the U.S.

Bone Broth - Truth About the New Craze

2018-07-16T19:20:00.004-07:00

For centuries, bone broth has been used throughout the Eastern hemisphere for its medicinal values. So, the benefits of the broth's components have long been known ages ago. Halle Berry's statement that the broth is a cause for her ageless beauty seems to have triggered a new craze by the majority population who now consider bone broth as the next best thing to sliced bread. They have jumped on the bone broth bandwagon as they consistently have done for any beauty claims made by "celebrities". Big box stores and others have quickly cashed in on selling the broth to those who think that they too can maintain younger looking skin simply by consuming the natural product. Berry is aging gracefully at 50 something years old. But, those who believe bone broth has some magical reaction to Berry's youthful appearance should also realize that she is blessed with genes from her Black heritage where aging does not show as severely as with the other side of her family. Also, Berry is financially able to maintain expensive exercise and spa routines that produce a polished, fit body at all times as expected with those other wealthy persons who rely on looking good in public to maintain their high profile careers. So, certainly bone broth is not the only factor that contributes to Berry's ageless beauty. Bone broth is a healthy liquid - yes; helps to prevent aging - don't think so.

"The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" ~ Frederick Douglass

2018-07-05T19:40:00.001-07:00

"What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy -- a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour." ~ Frederick Douglass

Immigrant Experiences vs. Trumped Up Perceptions

2018-07-02T14:59:00.001-07:00

Interacting with immigrants who have enrolled in classes to learn English has led to positive experiences. These immigrants are certainly in contrast to the trumped up vicious statements that are constantly tweeted out against them to rile up the anger of supporters who selfishly do not believe that Blacks, Latinos, and other minority immigrants should be welcomed into the United States as their own White immigrant ancestors. The English as a Second Language classes taught over the past 15 years have been attended by legal immigrants and sometimes those who have set foot on U.S. soil as refugees or otherwise. Contrary to the statement which gives an impression that only the uneducated and criminals travel the arduous journey through the isolated routes along the borders of Texas, Arizona, and California, a number of students have shared with the class their experiences of taking the unforgettable chance of traveling the dangerous journey to cross the U.S. borders. In-class discussions bring awareness that border crossers are not only the stereotyped natives from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, but some people have traveled from other Central and South American countries and the Caribbean. Some enter the country as professionals with careers in their countries as medical doctors, nurses, attorneys, physicists, professors, managers, and many other highly regarded professions that a number of Americans who criticize immigrants could not possibly attain. They must put aside these qualifications that are not recognized in the U.S. and start from scratch by learning English. They are smart and a number of them from Haiti speak not only Haitian Creole and French but are fluent in Spanish and are quick in their abilities to learn English. They arrive for classes by 8:00 AM after working the evening shift and getting off at 12:00 AM or even later from jobs that Americans never consider suitable for themselves but often complain that immigrants are taking their jobs. So, some arrive home during the wee hours of the morning but still get to school on time. Most immigrants must take whatever job is offered to them so that they may survive and help their families. The tiredness in their eyes in the classroom is evident, but they remain eager and willing to learn English. It is not only important to teach them how to speak, write, read, and develop listening skills in English, but topics are often introduced to make them able to adapt to the difficulties that lie ahead of them in the U.S. Topics include the importance of building good credit, developing job skills, budgeting, etc. But class discussions also include racial profiling cases, the criminal justice system's inconsistencies for people of color, the First Amendment, and other social issues that will impact their lives one way or another. Many continue their education aspirations by transitioning to community colleges and then universities. Their hard work often passes down to their children who excel in school as a result of the values instilled in them by their parents who serves as their role models. These hard-working immigrants are known and respected.

Royal Wedding - Overblown Press Coverage?

2018-05-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

Video about Prince William's wedding but it also applies to Harry and Meghan since media coverage has since gotten worse.

Friday, May 18th, 2018 - a day when the beauty salon is filled with ladies doing their hair, getting facials and manicures. The television is on with inundated coverage of the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. A question was asked to many of the women - "Who's getting up to watch the wedding at 4:00 AM? All of them responded "No, I won't be". The overall response was that they are sick and tired of the media coverage and wouldn't waste their sleep time to get up so early to watch the wedding. And, my birth in England does not make me any willing to watch. Don't get me and them wrong, many of us love Prince Harry since they find him to be charming, down-to-earth, and display the kindness and compassion as his mother, Princess Dianne. We also adore Meghan and her Black heritage is even more a plus for them. But, the press coverage is simply exhausting to them. One cannot imagine how Megan must be feeling with so much media coverage that may have quite likely be a cause of her father's heart attach thereby preventing him from walking her down the aisle. The media is clamoring for the same story and they seem not to take into consideration that there is so much coverage that the public will tolerate before they get disgusted and turn away. This is an example where many not only look at the media with distaste, but earnestly hope for the wedding to quickly be over to get some normalcy back to viewing favorite programs. But, then again, no doubt the same media circus atmosphere will return whenever Megan get's pregnant - we can't wait!!

SICK OF ROYAL WEDDING COVERAGE?

The Oppressed Becomes the Oppressor

2018-05-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Oppressed Who Suffered

Becomes the Oppressors Who Cause Others to Suffer

No Longer Your Friendly, Neighborhood Bank

2018-04-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Wells Fargo was hit with $1 billion in fines for their underhanded mortgage and auto loan schemes that negatively affected customers. The shady bank practises were only brought to public knowledge a couple of years ago. However, the friendly, neighborhood bank persona has not existed or began declining since the late 1980s when bank mergers dominated the financial world. It was during those years when branch staff were coached to transition customers from the friendly one-on-one banking services to using automated services. It was at that time sales became a top priority, so branch staff and phone reps were pushed to sell as many banking products as possible. During those days, many branch workers who did not agree with the new policies resigned. Others were fired since they could not pass the certification exams to sell insurance and brokerage products. When the sales priority was highly promoted versus service, the deceitful practice of opening as many new accounts as possible became a mission for some personnel since the more sales they made, the higher the bonus they received. In addition, recognition was given each month to the branches with the top sales record while top phone sales personnel would earn not only additional income but gifts for their achievements. The bank has been penalized with hefty fines, but no action has been taken against employees who callously opened accounts without absolutely no consideration for the financial sufferings of many customers who were greatly impacted. It didn't matter the age of the customer - banking personnel displayed no conscience as they slyly bated customers into opening accounts that they did not need. Wells Fargo will easily pay the $1 billion fine. But, how and when will other banks and the banking personnel, who duped customers for their own personal gains, pay for their crimes? Some former and current personnel say they were influenced by high sales targets and rebuked by their managers if those targets were not achieved. However, when products are sold to customers, such as those low income senior citizens on fixed income, there is absolutely no excuse!

Community Radio - A Lifesaver for Many Immigrants

2018-03-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

Community radio means many things to different people. But, to the immigrant, community radio is a life-line that helps them to not only maintain contact with the latest happenings in their native countries but to gain important information that will help them personally and also aid them in adapting to living in the United States. When one hears about ethnic community radio programs, many may associates the spoken language to be Spanish to reflect the largest minority group in the United States. However, visit different cities such as those in South Florida, New York, etc. and one will find ethnic community radio stations broadcasting programs not only in Spanish, but also Haitian Creole, Jamaican Patois and other languages and dialects. Similarly, Somali residents listen to community radio in the twin city of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Indian Americans may not only listen to Bollywood classics and other cultural music but also to their homeland news and current affairs on programs in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, California, Washington DC. Asian Americans too have their vast choices of listening to community radio stations throughout major media markets where there are large Asian populations. Listeners hear music from their native lands, keep abreast with upcoming events, get up-to-date homeland news, and listen or call in to share opinions on current affairs programs. So, ethnic community radio is the source of vital information for many immigrants. As such, professionals who were born outside of the United States or those U.S. born who are children of immigrants will become well-known and respected as they advise in the areas of medicine, law, business, accounting, politics, etc. Speaking in their native language or dialects, specialty doctors provide medical information and respond to questions; attorneys respond to questions and those associated with ethnic-affiliated bar associations often arrange one-day fairs where listeners may go to get advice and assistance in completing forms to sign up for citizenship or to vote. These attorneys and politicians who speak the language or dialect of their listeners are instrumental in explaining the U.S. voting process and are influential in getting non-native citizens out to vote. Ethnic community radio plays an important role for the immigrant in maintaining a strong connection to their culture while they make the United States their new home.

Death Uncovers the Best and Worst in People's Character

2018-03-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

One's death is not a subject that anyone is eager to speak about. People blindly think and behave as if they will be young forever. But, when a loved one dies, the reality sets in for some people - not all - that they too will be lying on a bed in a morgue one day. The responsibilities of planning the funeral arrangements of loved ones are stressful especially if the expenses are inundating if no funeral provisions were made in advance by the deceased. But, another important learning observation is that, during this difficult period of mourning, the death of a loved one not only brings out the best in people but also the worst in people. So, the expected sincere dedication of family and friends are evident or not apparent. Some people show their love by going above and beyond to assist, and this never-ending attention continues as they make all effort to give comfort during the time of bereavement. These good souls listen; they care; they do whatever is necessary without being asked; they never leave the side of the bereaved person. But, death also brings out a side of some family members and friends that the bereaved would have never expected. It is through a death of a loved one that one can determine the true nature of even neighbors or acquaintances or social media friends. No contact, or words of comfort; no return calls; no act of kindness; no reaching out to even acknowledge the death. It is these times of death that brings out who can be relied on and those who are undependable.

Squalor Conditions at Jamaica's Public Hospital

2018-03-06T18:58:00.001-08:00

A plaque located on an outside wall at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) shows writing in recognition of its 240 years of providing medical services in Jamaica. The public hospital was founded during the slavery era in 1776. During that period, the downtown Kingston hospital catered to the white population only until it began accepting Black residents in 1838 after the abolition of slavery. Undoubtedly, attention was paid during the earlier years to the historic hospital’s development to prolong its longevity. However, while red-brick colonial buildings remain and newer buildings were constructed to accommodate the hospital’s rapid growth, poorly maintained interiors during the later years confirm a lack of consistent upkeep. In addition, efforts have been made to upgrade equipment with the latest technology, but too often critical care machines break down leaving patients’ health in jeopardy. Customer service practices have also drastically diminished throughout the year thereby implanting a bad reputation on KPH’s medical staff for discourteous attitude and treatment towards patients.

A typical day for a person who goes to KPH’s emergency room is an unforgettable experience. While waiting, it is not uncommon to hear people wailing in pain. One young girl screamed incessantly that she had severe head pains. Her screams and cries of others did not seem to bother the medical staff who appeared uncaring and numb to the sufferings of those in the emergency waiting area. Also, a man who was referred by his personal physician for heart attack symptoms, arrived at the emergency room at 1:30 PM. At 6:30 PM he, like others who arrived earlier, were still waiting to receive any type of acknowledgement. His personal doctor's referral letter meant nothing! After a series of miscommunication by emergency staff on whether his x-rays were completed, he was eventually assigned a bed in a ward at 3:30 AM the next morning. This typical lengthy wait time at KPH may result in critical consequences as was the case of a lady who was transported by an ambulance to the emergency unit but died in her sister’s arms while sitting in the waiting area to be attended to. Arriving in an ambulance meant nothing! KPH’s medical staff makes it quite clear to those waiting that their priority is to attend to the gun-shot and knife wounded victims from the surrounding, volatile inner-city where shootings and gang retaliations are the norm. So, persons with medical conditions such as heart attacks, possible brain aneurism, etc. will take a back seat to those who frequently arrive in speeding cars that stop abruptly at the emergency entrance where occupants quickly exit the vehicles while yelling, “Gunshot”!! “Gunshot”!!

The procedures for visitors is another aspect at KPH that seems unusual to the standard practices of any hospital. The visiting time is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. and from 4:00PM to 6:30 PM. The first step for a visitor is to line up at the information center to get a worn-out cardboard which is called a pass. When requesting the pass, the only expectation for visitors is to provide a name and ward number to the service personnel sitting in an encased-type room. These service personnel do not inquire or even have the ability to check if the name and ward number provided to them is valid. So, security procedures at this point is non-existent since service personnel hands out passes to anyone. After getting the cardboard pass at about 10:45 AM, the next step for visitors is to wait in a second line to be processed by private security workers whose only gratification seems to be that they are in control of visitors entering the main hospital compound. They are responsible for checking bags to make sure no items on KPH’s restricted lists are brought into the wards, and that includes every type of food and drinks except fruits and water. They also are entrusted with a metal detector that seems more symbolic than useful. An absurd practice is that security will not allow ladies to pass through the gate to visit their loved ones if they are wearing sleeveless blouses or dresses. As a result, the hospital projects an impression that, in the gun-ridden neighborhood, harassing women wearing sleeveless garments is more of a priority than focusing on the slack security procedures of handing out visitor passes to anyone who requests one. Nevertheless, as security usurps their limited powers, they will not begin their visitor processing duties until precisely at 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM or thereafter. So, the visitors will lose some of their visiting time while going through the prison-like entry process. But, the wait time is never boring in this lively atmosphere where intriguing residents, living in the politically charged neighboring community, use the hospital premises as their main walkway. From their residences, they walk nonchalantly onto the hospital compound; boldly pass the hospital’s police sub-station; and proceed to downtown Kingston and back. It is also common to see sellers passing by and haggling their products such as water, fruits, phone cards, and even a male vendor walks by selling women’s half-slip undergarments. Waiting is frequently interrupted when security opens the tall, heavy gates to allow the entrance of luxury vehicles driven by doctors or other personnel who haughtily hold their heads high as they drive through. Further, if visitors know someone connected to the hospital, communicating with a guard at the gate often results in entry to see loved ones without standing in line. Waiting visitors may even get caught up with the loud outbursts of people with mental health issues who walk around aimlessly on the premises. Visitors could also witness a commotion from family and friends who are mourning loudly and uncontrollably over the loss of a loved one who they accompanied to the emergency unit but never survived gun shots or knife wounds.

The outpatient clinic waiting process is an all-day fiasco. Since a computerized patient system does not exist at KPH in this 21^st century, the outpatient courtyard is overcrowded with people sitting and waiting for their names to be called so that they may move on to the next step in their effort to see a doctor. Noise and confusion abounds as people must wait for their dockets, or medical files, to be located and brought by foot to another building where the out-patient must go after leaving the courtyard in order to see his/her specialists. Others may be immediately directed to crammed rooms where they need to make appointments, obtain consultation from a nurse, or see a specialist. People must arrive during the wee hours of the morning at KPH’s patient clinic to ensure that they are attended to by a doctor since their appointment wait time could be as long as six months in between visits. But, outpatient inconveniences also extend to patients while they are admitted in KPH wards. Broken, life-saving medical equipment requires patients to get tests outside the hospital. But, the lack of ambulances to take patients to other public facilities mean that a patient must make their own personal travel arrangements to leave the hospital on a doctor’s authorized pass to get the tests at private facilities, if they can afford to pay exorbitant testing fees. If patients cannot afford the fees for private tests while admitted at KPH, then they will be released without obtaining important medical exams.

The buildings and common areas are reminiscent of a great many years of neglect that has result in dilapidated conditions. Such appearance makes visitors wonder if they are actually inside a hospital because cleanliness and order are nowhere to be seen. As visitors enter a building, they are confronted with peeling paint on dirty walls. Concrete, uneven and uncovered slab floors intermingle with worn-out linoleum covered floors. Hidden, dingy stairways in poorly lighted locations are the only way to access upstairs floors since out-of-the-way elevators are restricted to patients who are transported in wheelchairs or on hospital beds. Untidy, deplorable conditions are seen in workers’ maintenance rooms where all is visible with wide open doors or no doors. The conditions of some patient wards are unspeakable as an unmistakable, lingering stench confronts a visitor’s nostrils on approaching the entrance. The stained concrete floors are lined with rows of old beds with malfunctioning headboard recline levers attached to them. The large, open 30-bed or more wards also include limited number of rusty storage bedside cabinets with stuck doors for patients’ use. Bathrooms with no doors clearly expose a couple of cracked sinks with aged faucets and two walled urine stalls for the 30-bed ward or more capacity. But, more concerning is that ceiling fans and open windows and doors are expected to keep patients cool throughout the days and nights in the hospital’s dangerous, downtown neighborhood where even staff sometimes have to run for cover at the sound of a barrage of gunshots. When it rains, leaking ceiling and the open windows and doors cause some wards to be flooded which results in the need for patients to be moved elsewhere in the overcrowded ward. The appearance of the doctor/nursing station is consistent with the rundown conditions of some wards. The poor conditions will make anyone curious as to where all the millions of dollars donated by worldwide NGOs and international governments have gone not only for this squalor hospital but other public hospitals.

The 240 anniversary of KPH was celebrated with fanfare. The photos with stakeholders celebrating the milestone and, on different occasions, photos that highlight KPH’s receipt of generous donations from foreign entities or the handing over of medical equipment, etc. serve as a façade to the underlying crisis that plague the hospital but are swept under the rug. KPH’s vision, “to provide service by qualified, efficient, courteous and highly motivated work teams in a clean, secure and attractive environment.” will not be taken seriously until efforts are made to provide patient with friendly services and an environment to compliment medical needs.

KPH Emergency - Dirty, Neglected 236-Y-O Hospital Struggling On

No Pay for Part-Time School Workers After Hurricane Closure

2018-01-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

Originally posted - 01/22/2018
There is usually an outpouring of sympathy and assistance for those who are affected by severe hurricanes such as Hurricane Irma. However, concerns need to also be extended to the plight of part-time or hourly staff including those who work for Florida school districts since these workers are not paid when schools are closed due to severe hurricanes. Granted, these are the most vulnerable workers at the school districts which include janitors, clerks, substitute teachers, adult education teachers, and others who may live from pay check to pay check without any union representation. They are not as fortunate as superintendents, administrators, or other unionized staff who are confident that their hurricane absences will be paid no matter what. Jessica Bakeman, WLRN reporter, completed an investigative report on the unconscionable practice of not paying part-time workers at the three South Florida school districts when schools are closed before, during, and after severe hurricanes. It is only through this report that any public acknowledgement has been made by board members and superintendents as noted in the link below. This is the ugly side of people's inhumanity towards each other when such natural disaster occurs.

When-Hurricane-Closes-Schools-No-Work-Means-No-Pay-Thousands-Hourly-Workers

Update - 01/23/18
A day after Jessica Bakeman's report, the Miami Dade County Public Schools came up with a Superintendent Emergency Declaration Period where part-time workers will be allowed to work up to 40 hours during a specified two week time frame. What's the catch? WORK. So, while the Superintendent, administrators, full-time teachers and other staff never lifted a pin to get paid for hurricane day absences, part-timers must show production to get paid for an Act of God that forced the school to close through no fault of the part-time workers. So, the injustices for part-time workers continue ..................

Dear Rich People

2017-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Rich People,

Some of you will support a need to give back to society by: making a pledge to help others, publicly speaking out about worthy causes, and physically getting involved in charitable work by going to communities throughout the U.S. and worldwide. You may gift to your other equally wealthy friends $1 million. But, the bottom-line is that you still demonstrate how much you care about deprived communities, and your actions speak louder than words in making life better for so many. Then there are those of you who show some concern for the needy and will make regular donations to worthy causes. But, giving money is sufficient - giving time and effort in participating in causes is not up your alley. Next, some of you give to the needy, but the suffering of others do not really cross your mind. Your only satisfaction in giving to charity is for a tax break, so your interest to aid people does not go beyond that low level. And there are those of you who simply have to be coaxed or reminded to give to charity since you have no concern for those who live on meager sustenance. But, you take some responsibility in at least selecting a charity to give your money. And finally, there are those of you who have never made any commitment to helping others or shown any concern for the welfare of the lowly, but since the pressure is on as you climb the billionaire tree, you have to send out a tweet to ask the public for charity suggestions instead of developing your own sincere, personal bond with one or more charities. In the meantime, while we are waiting for you to decide, children living in rural areas of some Caribbean countries in close proximity to the U.S. are still using unsanitary pit toilets during this 21st century. Which one of of these descriptions matches your giving history?

Minority Miami Firefighters Commit Racial Acts Against Black Firefighter?

2017-11-04T07:40:00.001-07:00

In this political climate when cantankerous leadership in the nation's capital has caused an upsurge of boldface racial hatred, it is not a surprise to see so much bigotry throughout the country. The experience of Chennel Rowe at the University of Hartford, who was subjected to the poisoning and other nasty torturing acts from her white dorm roommate, is just one example of the bold offensive behavior against minorities. However, the actions of six fired firefighters in Miami against their Black colleague is a different and unusual scenario of racism. This case would make anyone speechless not only because these firefighters are expected to be regarded as having high moral standards but also since it is quite obvious that one of the fired men is Black. Harold Santana, a Black Hispanic, appears to have a color inferiority complex. This is the only explanation to determine why he would foolishly participate in placing a noose around a family photo of Black firefighter, Lt. Robert Webster, and also be included in drawing vulgar images on the photos of Lt. Webster's loved ones. It is such inferiority complex that makes some Black Hispanics believe that they are not Black and identify on documentation as Hispanic or Other. Needless to say, those cannot hide their obvious Black skin. Furthermore, the others who participated in this revolting act, except for the one white firefighter, seem unaware that as Hispanics in the United States, they are also considered minorities who are included in the target of white racists radical groups. So, it does not make any sense when minorities participate in racial acts against other minorities. But, these two cases are just a few of many since the U.S. has returned to a period when verbal and physical racial expressions against minority groups were the norm.

Sabotaging Medical Insurance for the Needy

2017-11-01T08:12:00.002-07:00

Today is the first day to enroll in the government’s Affordable Care insurance or Obamacare as some may prefer to call it. However, there are no fanfare advertisements or funding for social agencies to assist customers with the sign up process as is customary when President Obama was in office. In fact, the present government has also chosen to viciously and spitefully cutback the period of enrollment to 45 days from November 1^st to December 15^th instead of from November 1^st until January 31^st as previously allowed for those who need additional time to sign up for the insurance. It is only people with evil mentalities that would work towards purposely depriving sick people of their insurance coverage. But, certainly those selfish government elites do not care because they, their family, and friends have the best and most expensive insurance coverage that money can buy. They are covered for any medical occurrences, so why should it matter to them if others are deprived of such a need. Ironically, it is the die-hard supporters of Trump who are going to be greatly impacted since they are the hypocrites who have tended to take advantage of Obamacare in-spite-of verbal dislike for President Obama. So, while the fully insured Trump and his cronies are making all efforts to sabotage the Affordable Care insurance, they are not only maliciously committing an act against minorities which they purposely intend to do but depriving their own “Make America Great Again” folks who, as the majority population, are the main users of Obamacare insurance.

GOP Congressmen "Do As I Say Not As I Do" Stance on Abortion

2017-10-22T17:50:00.002-07:00

Men making abortion decisions for women is troubling in a country that is considered the leading nation of the first world. It is ironic how the U.S. would continue to place the abortion rights of women into the hands of male majority politicians in Congress when so many of these politicians may not have the capacity to make the right moral choices in their own personal lives. This is an unreasonable award of authority, and it is quite surprising such power has not been greatly challenged by women who see the irony of men making decisions on the woman's body. This type of control is a reminder of the past when white men did not allow women to vote. But, nevertheless, even more ironic is that Congressman Tim Murphy and some Republican congressmen have voted in the past against abortion but subsequently two-timed the American public by pressuring their wives and/or girlfriends and/or mistresses to have abortions in the best interest of maintaining the politicians' careers. These GOP congressmen do a good job of portraying themselves as conservatives who are completely against abortion rights yet they are the first to secretly embrace the policy when they want their significant others to have the medical procedure. The unconscionable decision to publicly vote against abortion but to support it when it is in their own best interest is an unethical practice that mimics the saying "do as I say - not as I do". But, over the years, the deafening silence of women on this issue has empowered men to take charge of woman's right to make her own decision to have an abortion.

Hurricane Aid Concert Video Tells A Thousand Words

2017-10-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to see five former U.S. Presidents together on stage in support of a relief concert for 2017 hurricane victims in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It speaks volume when these five presidents, representing different political views, can unite whenever there is a needy cause, and the comradery among them is quite evident. In such an uncommon occasion of having all five former presidents together, it would have been ideal to also see the current president on stage to show a united effort in helping U.S. citizens. However, Trump made a videotaped appearance instead of attending the event. The bottom line is when people "burn their bridges" by continuously disrespecting others, the detractor loses in the long run. It is an uneasy and embarrassing feeling for a detractor to be in the presence of persons who he/she speaks about with contempt. When the time comes...and it will in the future... for the detractor to interact with the person or persons who he/she constantly insults with disparaging remarks, there will be great tension in the air in spite of any cordial exchanges. Oh to be a fly on the wall when it happens!