Town Crier

Is Your Neighborhood a Haven for Sexual Predators?

2015-06-04T14:18:00.000-05:00

I thought it was my responsibility to write about something that’s important for all of us and has to do with our safety. Do you really know who your neighbor is, or when you walk around your neighborhood and see different people, how well do you know them? What about the one that's always being nice to children; do you ever wonder about that?

When I started hearing about children being sexually abused, I noticed the perverts that committed the crime acted as if they hadn’t done anything wrong. Their faces and demeanor really bothered me; you kill a child and you're carefree? You abuse a child and it's okay? They probably think in a few years they'll get out on good behavior, so it's really not a big deal to them.

I'm sure all of us have seen that, the person was released because you know he was a good person, but that is far from the truth, because before you know it, they commit another crime and they're back again.

I started doing research and know that all sexual predators are required to register, so I became curious about my own neighborhood; I wanted to see if there were any sexual predators living in my area, and knowing this was probably true, I wanted to know how many, and where, thus. I made a search, put my state, zip code and bang; I was shocked to see how many came up.

I couldn’t believe where they lived nor could I believe that many failed to register, but let’s get real, if they’re going to hurt a child and move away, why should they take time and register? Hey, it's me, I molest children. That would be silly. They don’t want to get caught and have people see their face and name come up as a convicted sex offender, because that's what they are and once a sexual offender, always a sexual offender. That doesn't go away, and if anyone thinks they're cured they're deceiving themselves.

However, those faces staring back at me and their look said it all. They hated to pose for something they had been convicted of especially to a child. I also realized that it doesn’t matter what sex you are because I saw faces of women; they had a smile from one side of the face to the other; people's mug shot should be something to be embarrassed of, and to know you've hurt children should be worse, but they had no shame.

I looked up the crimes: aggravated sexual offender, molestation, indecent exposure to a minor, rape and the list goes on. With the national registry, people now know where they live, the victim or victims they've hurt, if they’re repeated offenders, their height, weight, and ethnicity, the type of crime they committed and when it took place.

The best part is, people also know that a sexual predator lives next door to them, children would know who to stay away from, parents would now be on alert, people wouldn’t be so quick to befriend that so-called nice person who’s really using a facade to hide his identity of having committed a crime against a child or anyone else for that matter, and if they move away without registering, at least you saw their face.

The registry gives everyone an advantage they didn’t have before. Now you can look up your state to see where they are. You can check out your neighborhood. It also shows just how close they may live to a school. In many states sexual offenders aren’t allowed to live close to schools, however there are some states that are lenient and allow 500, 1000 or 2000 feet proximity to the school.

I couldn’t be happier to have their disgusting, grubby face exposed to everyone, and it doesn't discriminate either, because professional individuals as well as blue collar workers are shown to the world; it doesn't matter what status, ethnicity, or gender you may have, a pervert comes in many ways, shapes, sizes and background.

I have gone through the registry many times checking out different states; I’ve found that offenders have doubled in a year’s time. I always check out my neighborhood. I’ve always been aware of my surroundings and people I encounter; now I can’t help and stare at the faces that look at me in the store; I wonder if that’s a face I saw in the registry, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be paranoid, but the world has become a jungle and people don’t care who they hurt. When a person is capable of hurting a child, that person will hurt anyone.

I hope everyone takes advantage of the National Sex Offender Registry; stay informed of your state and neighborhood, you will be doing yourself a favor and those you love.

http://www.nsopw.gov/

My Way

2015-06-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

When I got online and saw the name Caitlyn Jenner, I thought it was Bruce Jenner's daughter. I then realized it was Bruce Jenner. I saw the pictures and couldn't believe that good-looking athlete had been transformed into that woman. However, since makeup and fashionistas are so prevalent today, I understood why Caitlyn turned out to be like that.

Caitlyn Jenner has a very different take than the crying Bruce Jenner Diane Sawyer interviewed; he was an extremely depressed man, and I really felt sorry for him. Today Caitlyn Jenner is an elegant woman who strikes the pose and seems to be sure of herself, but after the applause and glamour die down, will it always be like that? We can't forget that after the surgery, she had a panic attack and couldn't believe what she had just done.

When I was a kid, I saw Bruce Jenner in the Olympics. I remember him as an Olympian who won Gold. He trained hard to get to where he was and with every effort accomplished what many have set their mind to and sometimes failed. When he won he seemed to be so sure of himself. We found out later he was a very sad and miserable man. I guess his competitive spirit was pushing him to run away from his problems, but deep down inside he couldn't.

As years pass, he went from one marriage to another, and it was evident that his facial features seemed completely different, more feminine. I often wondered about that and couldn't figure it out. He later said he was taking hormones and at the same time cross-dressing; that's where all the pieces fell into place.

His last marriage was to Kris Kardashian. I never saw the reality show he was in but I did see clips they showed on the news and honestly speaking, Kris was condescending towards him. She criticized what he was wearing and basically told him that he needed to change in order to keep up with their name. Excuse me? Keep up with the Kardashian's? In the first place, I always knew who Bruce Jenner was but I never knew who the Kardashian's were or where they came from, therefore I've never understood this superiority they've always displayed, thus I don't blame him for not spelling Caitlyn with a K. He clearly said, he wanted a clean break from them and I'm glad he basically kicked them to the curb; Kardashian's step aside.

I've read tweets after tweets celebrating Bruce Jenner for what he did, and of course there are those who are critical of him. He's the only one that knows the torment he was going through, but to go to the extreme of having a sex change operation? I really don't know if he'll regret that later; maybe he will, maybe he won't, especially when his children and grandchildren come around and women start competing with him not for him; I mean let's face it, look what happened when a professional had to talk to him endlessly after he had the surgery telling him it was a natural process because of the medication he was on.

A sex change operation isn't exactly a new wardrobe, everyday won't be about makeup artists, there aren't always going to be photo shoots, and as for people cheering you on consecutively? I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Today's story will soon be yesterday's news because that's how life is.

Is it a natural process to see yourself one way today and tomorrow someone else is staring back at you? No. Do people even mention Chaz Bono? No. And have you ever noticed someone who had plastic surgery? They don't look anything like they did originally.

I did notice she's prettier than the Kardashian women. Oh no, maybe they'll get jealous, after all, they're Kardashian's. I also noticed she probably has a better personality than they do, oh please don't say that, maybe they won't like it, remember, they're Kardashian's, and last but definitely not least, his 88 year old mother accepts him, but firmly said, she will continue to call her Bruce because that's the name he was given at birth; now that all the cards are on the table Caitlyn, that's something to think about.

Violence against Women

2015-05-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

He had all the future traits of someone who would someday hurt women. He never respected a woman especially if she was in authority, he slouched, he talked about her, he laughed about her with his friends, he took it out many times by punching the wall or slamming the chair; unfortunately other females were scared of him.

When he went home his father demonstrated the same qualities. He always said they were the worse drivers and their place was in the kitchen. Do you see the similarity? Everything the boy saw he learned from his father; it didn’t surprise anyone that he had this attitude because he was following in his father’s shoes.

Now the question is turned to us. How many are displaying the same behavior in front of their child without realizing the damage they’re doing? How many yell and punch their wives without noticing their child is watching? If you think they’re not then you’re fooling yourself. How many women permit this type of behavior and think it’s okay, after all they’re the man of the house and the breadwinner.

If you give the impression to your sons that it’s okay to mistreat a woman, that’s exactly what they’re going to do when they grow up. If you let your son disrespect you, what do you think he will do to his wife? And if you have any daughters, the same applies to them.

Women tend to look for a man that reminds them of their father. Do you want your daughter married to a man that’s going to disrespect and mistreat her, that’s going to beat her? What example are you setting for her as a woman; let anyone step all over her? What will that do to her self-esteem, confidence and trust in men?

I don’t understand when parents say they don’t know how he turned out that way. What kind of relationship did you have at home with him and what was the environment like? It’s too easy to point the finger at someone else without taking a good look at ourselves. It’s also embarrassing to admit that your son beats his wife and he learned that from his father, the one you look at every day and think his behavior is okay.

Tears

2015-05-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

I went to visit a friend of mine and her neighbor stopped by. After we were introduced, I saw her open up and start talking to me about her children. It was actually very sad because this woman cried in front of a stranger she had never met. I listened intently and saw how her tears streamed from her eyes. My friend looked at me as if to say, "She's broken."

Her daughter passed away leaving two small children; she was only twenty- two. Her son was shot in the head; he was thirty. She told me she was alone and couldn't even have contact with her grandchildren. Unfortunately this situation isn't something new. All of us know someone that may be crying out to us or we may be feeling like that. The funny thing is, the day was sunny and beautiful and this woman was a wreck, so you see it doesn't matter the weather, it's your life. We can say that pain pardons no one.

We've all had those days and desperately or secretly search for answers to our hidden problems; this woman thought she would never see her children again. I spoke to her about the resurrection; a hope so dear and real to us we can almost reach out and embrace our loved ones. She wanted to know if it was true. I said yes. I showed her what it says in the Bible, "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgement." John 5:28-29.

I saw a glimmer of relief; she was a different person than the one I recently met. When I left I told her to take care of herself and went back to talk to my friend.

In a world where people seem so aloof in recognizing and acknowledging another's problems, it's important to take time and ask ourselves, would we want someone to be there for me? How important is it that people actually sit down and listen to what I have to say?

Technology is crippling us to the extent that we no longer need to personally communicate with one another. We send a text with a smiley and our work has been done, but is a text the same as hearing the person's voice, and is a smiley the same as seeing another person's smile? Or the emoticon with the tears; is that the same as seeing real tears? We can't let ourselves become so self absorbed that we forget that communication with another individual is important. We need not forget we're social animals and need human contact.

I would've never met that woman and brought some type of relief to her if I hadn't gone and visited my friend, and in bringing her comfort, it reassured the hope I have. Who will you aid today?

"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." Acts 20:35

90 Miles

2015-05-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

A country that almost seemed like it stopped in time, where people are still driving cars from the 50s, homes are dilapidated and children run barefoot. One sees how older men and women are worn out from years of servitude and those who are younger rebel against a government that displeases them. Many left seeking a better future for their family and saw their children grow up in the United States or became parents in the land of opportunity?

When Americans were part of that scenario and Hemingway had his house there, Cuba was prosperous. They loved vacationing in Cuba. The truth is you can't beat 90 miles from Florida. However, those of a generation passed away or grew older and to date have grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

The generation of their parents and grandparents never walked Cuba's beaches and felt that clear water of Varadero caress their feet, nor did they feel the scorching heat of the sun. That generation never gazed into a sky full of stars in Cuba and were enveloped by the warmth of that mystical night. They never looked out into the sea and were mesmermized by waves as serene as a sleeping baby or as furious as an erupting volcano letting them know, they too feel their pain.

The Tropicana is foreign to them, what they know they've heard from their parents or read in books. They're not familiar with Beny More, Cachao, Cienfuegos or Jose Marti. Their music is hip hop, pop, rock or a different genre. Their literature is American history, Washington, Franklin and Jefferson. Their knowledge of slavery is what was done to those from Africa, disregarding they're own background as being enslaved.

When they left, did they betray their country or was it the other way around? No one wants to be denied the right to go as you please, to travel, to be able to go into a store and buy whatever you want, not have things rationed out to you as if you were a child. No one wants to know that as citizens they were born in Cuba but beaches such as Varadero is only for tourists from Europe and Canada. No one wants to be denied the right to have access to the Internet or be monitored on a constant basis because big brother is alive and well. It's better to indoctrinate a person into thinking how bad something is before they get a taste of it and realize the years of propaganda that was fed to them; that was the real culprit for their misery.

The sad part of the equation is that people have been conditioned that way because in their mind they're being taken care of; free healthcare and education is quite appealing to them, but when a doctor makes 200+ a month that's an embarrassment after putting in all those years of studying only to graduate and have them tell you what you should earn, conversely when you exploit a person's illness by making money from them, that too is an embarrassment. What happened to the Hippocratic Oath? You become a doctor to heal because you love your profession, you want to help others not see it as a way to make money like it's become today.

The question is, with the United States having relations, will things really change? Is it easy to forget the betrayal of the Bay of Pigs, and is it easy to forget how nuclear weapons were pointed in our direction? Is it easy to ignore the blockade that was put on that country for many years? They say it's time to move on, but don't forget those who perished at the hands of Castro's regime. Why else do you honor the lives every year of fallen soldiers in the United States? If we continue to ignore man's government, then you're ignoring the atrocities that has been committed to innocent people.

"I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking to even to direct his step." Jeremiah 10:23

Blago’s Truth

2012-01-02T13:24:00.000-06:00

When I sat watching the verdict handed down to Rod Blagojevich I wasn’t shocked that he was found guilty, but the years that were handed to him did shock me. I know he did wrong and everyone else does too but there are many people that have committed crimes worse than what he did and they haven’t received such a lengthy penalty. I wondered what he could’ve done better.

Instead of being so careless he should’ve thought about his family and daughters that will now grow up without their father. He should’ve set aside greed and ambition and thought about what could happen if he got caught; maybe he should’ve thought about the seriousness of what he was walking into and not think of himself being superior to the rest; with all that being said it’s a little too late for what could’ve been.

Rod Blagojevich is now the fourth governor who’s been caught in the seriously corrupt state of Illinois. It’s disconcerting to have to relive that again and it seems the punishment is becoming more severe. Even though no one may want to say anything, there are many involved in wrongdoing and probably were part of his dealings in wanting to buy Obama’s seat, which by the way people have phrased it like that but it really doesn’t belong to Obama. Those people that were involved are just quietly hoping no one looks their way; many are shocked Blagojevich didn’t start throwing out names; I guess he didn’t want to be a snitch if he did that and maybe he was afraid for his family.

When you think of all the seedy and crooked politicians that you know are out there ripping people off you can’t help but wonder about them. However, I do know that just like it took Rod Blagojevich years to be put away and his predecessors, they too will eventually get caught; it’s just a matter of time.

The phrase of the poem ‘If’ that was written by Rudyard Kipling and quoted by Blagojevich should’ve gone something like this. If I hadn’t been so greedy and thought about myself instead of my loved ones, if I hadn’t fooled myself thinking no one was listening and I was cutting a deal that would eventually put me behind bars, if I could only turn back the hands of time and start all over again walking the fine and narrow, if I would’ve stopped my ego from getting the best of me instead of letting it take over I wouldn’t find myself in the situation I am in now, I would be with my family, I would enjoy watching my girls grow up and I would be the man everyone is proud of.

The truth of the matter is Rod Blagojevich had a lot of enemies that wanted him out and despite the fact that he seems to be such a charismatic individual and people flock to him, that isn’t the reality. The circle he hangs around can be as corrupt as he became, just listening to those tapes said a lot, but then again people that get into politics and government start out one way and end up another. It’s sad to see a person that was half-way decent in the beginning change into a vicious, egomaniacal individual that only thinks about himself and cares little about others, but that’s the society we live in and those are the individuals that make laws.

What I find wrong is if one person had to do with someone dying like Conrad Murray and was handed four years and another got caught up in the game like Rod Blagojevich and winds up with fourteen years where ‘s the justice in that? I’ve heard many say we didn’t hear all of the evidence that was presented and his punishment did fit the crime, and maybe by the years handed down to him it will be a way to deter others from breaking the law. I guess they’re trying to make Rod Blagojevich the poster boy for crime determent; fat chance that will happen. People will continue to break the law and the state of Illinois will continue to be as corrupt as it’s always been.

When he was sentenced, he wasn’t the only one who received that sentencing; it was also handed down to his entire family. He will soon be heading to prison, what he did will be yesterday’s news and reporters will seek another scandal to write about.

It’s a shame that some people were happy about it and some were asking him to apologize to the people of Illinois; I don’t think it really matters if he did or didn’t. If Rod Blagojevich were to apologize then you can ask the same of all the crooked politicians that state is known for; Al Capone made it famous for being corrupt and everyone else has continued the legacy of corruption.

The Right to Be Born

2011-12-19T16:16:00.002-06:00

I was watching a Spanish soap opera called “El Derecho de Nacer” which was about an aristocratic family and their values whose daughter got pregnant. The child’s biological father wanted her to get an abortion, and the idea of her bringing such a stigma and shame on their name was too much for her own father to handle, therefore being a tyrant he plans on having is grandson killed to erase all traits that his daughter was ever pregnant and a baby was brought into this world.

The daughter has a nanny who’s a black woman and she had her promise if she sees her child in danger to flee with him. One night the child is stolen by the right hand man of her father and the nanny wakes up just in time and runs to the fields when the man raises his machete to bring it down on the new-born.

It’s amazing to see the courage of this black woman run and get in front of the baby and tell him if he’s going to kill the child to kill her also. She pleads and talks him out of the crime he’s about to commit and flees with the child. He cuts his hand and wraps something around it and takes the blood stained machete to the father and has him believe he not only killed the child but the nanny as well because she got in the way.

Life takes on many turns for this black woman and a white baby but she manages to take on different jobs to support the child. They have to go from one place to another because they lack the money to pay rent; they suffer discrimination, hunger and the injustices that come to a woman and a small boy. Despite all of that she manages to save money and is determined to raise him and make a good man out of the child.

He later becomes a doctor and the irony of it all is that they return to the place they fled when he was a baby and their paths cross his biological mother and her family. This movie is spell binding and you’re glued to your seat at what ambition, aristocratic ideals, courage, determination, discrimination, hypocrisy, selflessness, and unbiased love can do to a human being.

When a woman becomes pregnant and decides to have an abortion because the child may come at a time when she’s not prepared to take on that responsibility, or the father decides he doesn’t want to be a part of it the one that suffers is the child. Today the supreme court says it’s a woman’s right to choose and many sustain the legalities of that decision, however when you see this movie and you hear about one man’s way of thinking and man’s laws that have to do with the birth of a child, those same people that sit on the court may have been deprived of life if someone would’ve decided they didn’t have the right to live.

Many would say abortion is just a fetus and isn’t really a child; however Jehovah God doesn’t see it that way. “Your eyes saw even the embryo of me. And in your book all its parts were down in writing, as regards the days when they were formed and there was not yet one among them.” Psalms 139: 16

Thinking of his social status and what people would think caused the grandfather to make a criminal decision in depriving his grandson the right to live. He lived his entire life regretting what had happened because he thought his grandson had been killed, but when he realized his grandson was alive and had grown up to be a doctor he asked God for forgiveness and thanked him for his grandson’s life.

In conclusion, the ultimate question is, “Who’s right, Jehovah God, who’s all-knowing and created all things or humans that are still trying to see what they can create and will never be satisfied?

What do Changing Seasons Tell Us about Our Future?

2011-11-26T16:56:00.000-06:00

When we see leaves changing their colors from green to red and then orange we know autumn is approaching. When trees are in a barren state, winter is definitely upon us. After we’ve been consumed with cold weather for several months and flowers start blooming, spring has finally arrived and when days start getting longer and trees have welcomed green leaves again, summer has returned. These signs that all of us observe on a yearly basis are a certainty there’s going to be a change all around us, and we have counted on them for many years.

What about world events? What do those signs tell us and what does that have to do with our future? Just like changing seasons, they are very much related. By observing the situation you too can know exactly what’s transpiring, why it’s happening and what’s to come next.

Millions of years ago when Jesus Christ was on earth he was questioned about what signs to look for when it came to the conclusion of the system of things. Back then people were as curious as they are today about their future and what to expect; what we’re seeing is that prediction.

“… wars and disorders, nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; earthquakes, pestilences, food shortages, great necessity and wrath.” Luke 21: 9-11, 23

If you turn on the television and watch the news the Middle East is in an uproar. A year ago they were celebrating the ousting of Mubarak and today they’re back to square one. They don’t have democracy and freedom like they thought they would, and many say it’s worse than before. Israel and Palestine still haven’t come to any agreement regarding peace and are inching towards war. Iran is building nuclear weapons disregarding sanctions that will be placed on them. India already has them in case it’s attacked. North and South Korea have inner turmoil and Somalia massacres its own. Greece and Italy are in financial crisis and the people of London take to the streets and riot against police dissatisfied with the government’s policy. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq haven’t subsided though many troops are going to be withdrawn, and in the United States the occupation of Wall Street has extended to other states; countries have also joined in solidarity. The anger that people display is palpable because many have lost their jobs and homes, thus they’re desperate and unsure about what their future will bring. Everywhere you look people are marching, screaming, fighting in order to bring change.

Just like changing seasons and its signs, these are the signs we observe in a world that’s rapidly reaching a climax toward its end; more of us need to pay attention instead of focusing on bargains for this holiday shopping. It would be painfully sad to disregard what’s happening and when you do it’s too late. I think a person needs to put their priorities in order when it comes to their survival instead of storming into stores to buy gifts. Too many people are idyllically carrying on with their life because they say things have always been like this and will return to normalcy, but the reality is that won’t happen. Has anything improved since Obama took office and talked about change?

All of us are familiar with the Titanic, a ship that was supposed to be unsinkable, unfortunately that was far from the truth. However, the sinking of the Titanic didn’t come as a surprise like many thought. The captain was given several warnings about icebergs in the area and instead of heeding them, he accelerated the ship because he wanted to arrive earlier and make a grand entrance on his last maiden voyage since he was planning to retire. It really was his last.

The passengers were told to get to the lifeboats quickly and they chose to continue drinking and partying thinking they had more time and the situation really wasn’t that serious. The sinking of the Titanic could’ve been prevented, but because of greed, pride and people being negligent and stubborn many lost their lives. We can say that the world is the Titanic and warnings are being given but many choose not to listen. Many holidays may come and go, so will Black Fridays and its mob of people, but with each year that passes there’s more disaster, heartache, elections of people not coming to an agreement, countries at war with each other, unemployment and people not being satisfied with their circumstances; it’s all a catalyst of what was predicted long ago.

What Your Mirror Says About You

2011-11-19T17:22:00.002-06:00

I’m always searching, looking and wondering why people do the things they do, what God must think of their behavior and how man can be so depraved. When a person is deep in their mire of depravity, do they ever stop to think about their actions? Of course not or else they would stop what they’re doing.

I’m the voice of the innocent that can’t speak for themselves, those who are raped viciously and sodomized without conscience by someone who violated their trust; that rag doll used for gratification to placate the appetite of someone degenerate.

I’m that child that looks at you before drifting to sleep; the one who senses their parent will never hurt them.

I’m also the elderly that takes a little longer to walk because their youth is gone, their strength has left them and despite being frail they’re wise beyond their years.

The nurse that holds your hand when you’re in the hospital, the doctor who reassures you that everything is going to be okay, the fireman that comes to your rescue, the cop that guides your way and the teacher that stands before her class looking at the future.

I’m the prosecutor that sternly looks at the jury pleading the case of a victim and the judge who brings down the gavel condemning you for a merciless crime.

The cry of injustice is what I write about; the triumph of individuals is what I bring to the table and the endless questions of why people are wronged, of better days to come and a future with hope. I write articles many may not want to hear or turn away from because they’ve been calloused by the system. However, a person should never let themselves get too obstinate because they never know if something they read puts things into perspective.

How far into the day or night have many of us ventured looking for something better in our own imagination or literally? Lovers and married couples with that one last look or dance, teenagers partying and laughing carrying on oblivious to the consequences, people going to work though they hate their job knowing they have to feed their family, those unemployed who continue to hit the pavement come out empty and say that interview will be their last when they know that’s not true, and beggars in the street asking for a handout putting aside their pride and what others may think of them. “Get a job,” I hear many say. Their look of dejection speaks volumes. It’s at that moment I feel for them because we really may not know their circumstances and it takes a lot to walk in front of traffic knowing people will not give you anything and think the worse of you. This is your world and mine.

The United States who preaches military service doesn’t realize that many who are homeless are Veterans. Many of those so-called bums served in the war. Don’t you think they’re being a bit hypocritical in their stand? Are they only good enough when they’re serving their country, have the uniform on, and aren’t broken? Is an elderly only good enough when they’re young and when they start getting older discard them? Is a person less of a man or woman if they don’t have a limb?

I don’t doubt for a minute that people are as disgusted as I am when they hear about someone who’s been wronged or mistreated, and I know deep in my heart that everyone wants the best for each other or else that would classify you as being as bad as the rest, but I hope next time we’re quick to think wrong of someone, we stop in our tracks and remember what that says about us. The prominence of the person at one time doesn’t negate who they are.

Help an elderly crossing the street or check on them and see if they need anything. Come to the aid of a child especially if you see an adult taking advantage of them, and don’t forget to give to those that can’t pay you back, it incenses me to know that people do favors thinking the person owes them. If you’re going to have that attitude, don’t do it.

The Town Crier writes about your triumphs, pain, daily living, survival, and hope that all of us desperately need. I enjoy being on my soapbox and refuse to get off.

The Betrayal of a Man

2011-11-13T14:26:00.002-06:00

I sat there looking at the news and saw how Joe Paterno’s son was saying he wished his father was there for the last game of the season. Huh? What did he just say? I couldn’t believe this grown man was crying when he said that, and it was all because his father wasn’t able to attend. I’m not trying to be sarcastic but did he realize his father didn’t say anything over something he knew many years ago? In other words Joe Paterno was as guilty as Jerry Sandusky for remaining quiet and permitting this to go on longer. I know a lot of people will say let it go already but that’s just an excuse so no one talks while pedophiles continue molesting children. I’m not going to let it go.

It makes me sick to see men like that cry over a game, oh boo hoo. If anything he should be crying about his father being an accomplice to child abuse. He should be embarrassed and disgusted. I would if it would’ve been my father. The gall to think you can just cry over what happened and everyone’s supposed to feel sorry for you because your father who was a winning coach wasn’t at the game. It was his own fault he wasn’t there.

What about the victims? Who cried for them the first time it happened and they stood there wondering what was going on? Who cried for them when they were being led to the showers and touched in places they never dreamed of? Who cried for them when they were being sodomized? Who cried for them when their whole demeanor changed and they knew they would never be the same again?

We’re Penn State; really? Yes I know everyone hugged, got down on their knees and there was a moment of silence for the victims; just a moment of silence for years of suffering and abuse? Were they kidding or what? Try telling that to the victims and the families that are going through this pain. They would probably tell you to keep your moment of silence and give back the childhood that was stolen, but that’s not possible is it, because it was stolen by a pervert.

We're Penn State? Really? I think they need to think about that statement because after the way they behaved defending those involved, does that mean they're all a bunch of perverts?

These predators and pedophiles that go around abusing and taking advantage of children think they can hide behind organizations and their own persona, then say they didn’t do anything and people are supposed to believe them. They’re a disgrace. The sad thing is many know what’s happening but don’t report it because their job may be in jeopardy. The ones that are courageous and bold enough to take them on corroborate with the child that they were seen performing a sexual act.

Joe Paterno isn’t new to child abuse, he’s just one of many that knew something and didn’t reveal it so because of that his image is tarnished. I can no longer see him the same way I did before though I never cared about college football, and I don’t think anyone can hear the name Penn State and not think of the child abuse scandal that happened there where no one said anything including the famous Joe Paterno.

When I was sitting in my room yesterday I thought about all those people who were attending Penn State when that happened; I wondered how they feel knowing they were paying a school that permitted that to happen. I know they didn’t know so it’s not like they could do anything about it, but I would be angry that I too financed that institution.

All of us can see that people are not willing to put up with it anymore and a person needs to continue talking about it. If you stop, they win, thus talk and talk some more because the more focus on it the better it is for victims to know pedophiles are being cornered everywhere they are.

Penn State’s Shame

2011-11-12T15:47:00.002-06:00

This week what many of us have been saying about child abuse and always falls on “deaf ears” exploded, the scandal at a prestigious university such as Penn State has everyone up in arms over what happened to children ten years ago. It’s abhorrent and repulsive to know that a grown man was involved in this type of behavior and worse other grown men were aware of it and did nothing. They cared more about football than saving the very ones who were toys in the hands of a monster or monsters, because it’s been said that Jerry Sandusky was pimping out young boys to rich donors.

Jerry Sandusky founded The Second Mile for underprivileged children. The boys went on trips and special occasions his charity offered, but that’s not the only thing they did; he would later take the boys to the showers and touched them engaging in sexual relations with boys as young as eleven years old. His aberrant behavior changed the lives of many who were made to feel special at one time and later became prey to this monster. He took their innocence away and they will never be the same. Despite the fact he claimed to feel bad about what happened, the only thing he feels bad about is he was caught.

Pedophiles Tactics

The pattern is always the same when it comes to how they operate. Their focus is on children and how to get close to them. They go for those that are underprivileged or may lack what many do. They find ways to accommodate them and impress them with gifts and trips. He knew Penn State University was famous and imposing; children having impressionable minds fell for what he said especially if they were receiving things they never had before. The boys saw him as someone they trusted and helped them out, and since he knew that, he took advantage of their naiveté. The heinous acts this man committed were abominable so why are Penn State students so upset? Have they read everything that went on?

Students Questionable Behavior

Everyone knows that Joe Paterno took on a football team and had a record of winning games, there’s a statue of him on campus and everyone says he’s Penn State; he even goes by JOE PA. Regardless of his echelons when it came to his career, he disregarded the conduct of a member in his team and what he was doing. Did he ever stop to think that was someone’s child? Would it have mattered if it would’ve been his grandchild?

The students seem to have a problem that Joe Paterno was fired, but is that really all that’s to it? Do they know that Joe Paterno said, “He knew about an incident years ago but didn’t report it?” Is it also because it shatters the appearance of a university that permitted child molestation to take place? Their aggressive and violent behavior doesn’t help matters. It’s a slap to the victims that went through this horrendous experience and it’s also extremely immature to be in college and act this way.

Cover-up

I agree with the trustees who fired Joe Paterno. If students have a problem with that it’s too bad, they need to pay attention to the fact that he never said anything when he knew something. Though it may seem like it’s a popularity contest about a person and institution, it involves lives of others that are forever changed; they need to get a grip with reality and stop being so senseless and superficial, or they’re just as bad as the ones that abused and remained silent. I don’t know how men like that can sleep at night, nor do I know how people who stand by them have the conscience to go on with their merry life as if it doesn’t affect them. Unfortunately all of us know that the name of the game is not only football but MONEY and that’s what was buying silence. Nevertheless, those children grew up and opened Pandora’s Box about what happened to them. The staff at Penn State never saw that coming but it happened and just like them there are many pedophiles that are doing the same thing.

I hope this serves as a lesson to all who think they will never get caught; yes you will, it’s just a matter of time; people do get suspicious and sooner or later someone’s going to start talking, don’t forget children grow up and become adults; they’re no longer afraid of you and you’re no longer an intimidating factor in their life; the masks fall and the world then sees who pedophiles are even in a prestigious university.

The Voice of the Innocent

2011-11-09T15:24:00.005-06:00

Whenever you think of a child what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think about how they run, play and are full of energy? Do you think about their endless questions, their adventurous attitude in doing things you would’ve never thought of, or do you see your own children and are amazed and impressed at how bright they can be?

Whenever you think about child abuse what comes to your mind? Do you shun it, not try to think about it and avoid the fact that an adult is abusing someone who can’t defend him/herself? Do you ever think that because a child is being abused they will never be the same again and may have to go through hours and years of therapy? Do you also think they will suffer when it comes to their own self-image and relationships?

Effects on Children

Children who are sexually abused are confused and don’t have anyone to turn to especially if they’re young. If it’s a family member abusing them they wonder why they’re doing that. Is that what love feels like? If it’s a neighbor and they’re being abused, is that what playing’s all about? With each individual who abuses them they’re sworn to secrecy. “No one has to know what we do; it’s our secret.” Sexually abused children are made to feel they have to keep quiet about something that doesn’t feel right and sometimes they’re even threatened if they say anything. However, if it’s supposed to be right why do they have to keep quiet, not tell anyone and why does it feel so wrong?

Regrettably this subject is one people choose to stay away from and what happens is the community thinks those in authority and prestige are upstanding citizens. That’s far from the truth. Who ever said that money and prestige meant you were a moral person, and how many times has a person been wrong about another’s character? Some of the most corrupt people are those that have money and prestige and not everyone is who you think they are. Just because you have a haven and charity for children doesn’t mean you’re not a predator, nor am I saying those who do, are, but you have to be careful to think that anything an adult does for a child is because he or she has good intentions.

Penn State

For many years Penn State has been an outstanding university because of its record when it comes to football. Now I can say that squeaky clean image has been tarnished because that university allowed one of its staff members to molest children ten years ago. This week a scandal broke out on Penn State University over the defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky who was sexually abusing children ten years ago. Yesterday a ninth victim also accused him. How many more were abused and are silent remains to be seen.

Jerry Sandusky put a charity together years ago to help children and many believe that was a subtle way of getting close to them. It’s too bad he like many, do this to satisfy their lascivious behavior, it’s also unconscionable if anyone knows what’s going on and they don’t say anything they’re enablers to a crime. I feel for the victims and their families they didn’t pick up on what was really behind his charity work. We may never know all who were involved in what was happening, but though they may have a stellar record of winning games they also have one that screams “child molestation.”

Fall from Grace

Joe Paterno who was the coach of the football team for many years is resigning after this season; more than anything he was probably asked to go. After I heard that his news conference was cancelled I knew there was trouble. Jerry Sandusky was coordinator of the team he coached so it happened under his watch. I’m not saying he knew everything about his colleague’s personal life, but I doubt he didn’t know something about his friend’s behavior. It’s hard for me to believe or accept that something’s going on for that amount of time with children and no one knows anything about it, especially a charity that Jerry Sandusky founded. Were children objects tossed around for this man’s sexual gratification? It’s obvious they cared more about football than they did children. They didn’t think what that was doing to the child and should be ashamed of themselves, therefore because of their negligence and behavior they need to be removed.

I know many people went to Joe’s house and let him know they stood with him. I think he’s so embarrassed over what happened he doesn’t know what to do. He may also feel guilty or blame himself that he could’ve done more. If he didn’t know anything then he’s exonerated but if he knew at least something about Jerry Sandusky and what he suspected was going on, he should’ve said something, and if he knew and didn’t, he shouldn’t wait until the season’s over but retire now. There’s no excuse for that even at the cost of winning football games. Think of your own child, how would you feel?

The Truth about Teaching

2011-10-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

The alarm rings and you’re ready for another day not knowing what to expect; the years have gone by and many personalities have come your way. There are times you wish you had decided on something else but what your heart held was something you knew you had to do; such is teaching as I would say and many have other opinions but just like there are many doctors, the same applies with teachers.

Many teachers say they love their job and others reserve their comment. However, if teaching were all it’s cut out to be, you wouldn’t have so many leaving the profession or realizing that isn’t what they thought, get hit with an eraser or punched in the face? When a student goes at them and treats them like dirt, when vicious words come out of the very one they’re trying to teach, when you go into a classroom and see students jump from one desk to the other and realize you have to have a little more patience than yesterday remembering those students are mentally challenged, or when the strawberry on the cake is having a parent that thinks he/she can throw their weight around forgetting their child may be a mess and just may be driving the teacher insane, that’s the reality of teaching. These are the real stories, the stories that some may not want to talk about because they may be admitting defeat, but there’s no defeat in honesty and there’s definitely no defeat when you have to deal with a child on a daily basis that’s been raised to be disrespectful as many are today.

In private, colleagues talk to each other about who did what, who doesn’t want to do what their supposed to and what teacher got hurt. They also talk about whom to keep your eye on and who are the future convicts or thieves.

I have read wonderful happy go lucky stories about teaching and wonder what planet they’re on and my congratulations to those that have such exceptional students; I’m not saying there aren’t, but let’s be real and not fool ourselves. Then again what grade level are you talking about and where exactly do you teach? You’re not going to compare elementary to one that comes from the hood, has already seen death at an early age, been around parents that are poor role models, have drugs for dinner, neglect their children and care more about how they look and hitting the street.

Those are the ones that come to school and take out their anger and frustration on the one that’s trying to educate them or worse when they’ve been subjected to abuse, incest or the teacher is doing a good job of teaching but in a more personal way. So why isn’t this put on the table? Why isn’t it thrown out there as raw as a piece of meat or injury so that everyone can see that’s also the reality of education and may be the main thing people steer clear of. Why do so many fail to mention that the ones who claim to love students make thousands a year and care more about their paycheck than a child’s education? That’s also a reality that many cities are facing and they fair badly thinking they can bring someone to replace another when the situation is so widespread it’s become an epidemic; a rotten apple spoils the whole bunch and so does a rotten mentality. I think those who are in charge of school systems need to get their act together and stop believing a change in administration means everything will be okay. Please don’t insult our intelligence; maybe they’re the ones who need to be educated.

Chaz and Dancing with the Stars

2011-10-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was watching “Dancing with the Stars” and saw when Chaz was eliminated. I’m not going to say I agree with the decision he made because it’s not my place to decide for him. I will say I don’t agree with the judges being so offensive. It almost seemed as if they were repulsed every time he got in front of them and decided they were going to reprimand him.

I have a problem with Bruno and his metaphors. He can be extremely cutting when he gives his comments. I think he forgets he flares up and throws his arms in the air with his crooning voice and no one says anything. I also think Len forgets he was young at one time and what may be behind all his fault finding is envy towards the dancers. And I think that Carrie Ann who found Maks disrespectful towards Len has forgotten the times that Len AND Bruno have disrespected the rest. She’s also guilty of doing the same thing. The only time she gave Chaz a better score and cried after tearing him apart the week earlier was when Cher was in the audience, thus I don’t believe anything that comes out of her mouth.

Chaz proved his point whatever he was trying to prove. He said teens could be whatever they want. I know he didn’t mean teens could go on a show and be mocked, rejected and made out to look like fools for a decision they made. I think he didn’t mean that. I don’t think he ever had a chance. People made their mind up from the beginning and they weren’t going to change it.

What I saw in “Dancing with the Stars” was a show that was full of hypocritical people all vying for the first place. I know JR said, “Everyone wants to win but no one wants it more than I do.” Yeah okay. Try telling that to the rest that practice endlessly pushing their body just to learn the dance; I think that statement was wrong.

I know it’s a dancing competition but we also know that people have favorites and no matter how bad they dance, they’re voted in. I also believe the judges have their favorites and sometimes the person’s title means a lot to them. They may as well rename it, “Voting for Your Favorite regardless of how they Dance.”

Ricki Lake is a very good dancer and her personality makes you warm up to her. Nancy Grace is a prosecutor and the judges respect her for that. However she proved to be ruthless when she told Tristan if anyone had every told him he sounded like a troll. Tristan who’s the new kid on the block didn’t say anything; I was embarrassed for him. Hope Solo is an athlete that’s not sexy enough in their eyes. They even told Maks to teach her how to walk. Who’s being disrespectful?

Rob Kardashian is just wonnnnnderfullll; his mom and sisters are there in the audience and you can always hear one of them yelling out to the judges what score to give him. I’m sure he has a lot of people that vote for him, but as much as I try to see what they do, I can’t seem to find it. I wish he would stop saying he’s not a man yet because people will start to see him like a mama’s boy and not give him any credit. One day Cheryl Burke even called him a boy; pretty embarrassing.

I don’t think much of Arquette; many people think he’s funny, the judges like him, go figure.

This year “Dancing with the Stars” tried to show everyone they’re inclusive and they only did that for ratings. It was the same bickering you always have with the same dance routines and boring songs. I didn’t find anything interesting about ballroom dancing because one pretty much knows what to expect.

The only thing I hope if Chaz learned anything is not be in a situation where you’re a public display of indirect verbal abuse; you will have to endure weeks of ridiculing and insults from people you don’t even know, have met for the first time and will probably never talk to again. Didn't he know that's what he was going to get? He was the only one that never really lost any weight and it’s because of all the tension he was in. If you’re going to go on a show and go through that you may as well say, “No thanks.”

As a society people have become extremely mean spirited and cold. They will go to the extreme to hurt you if they don’t agree with you. The days are gone where a person thought before they talked. Now it’s at all cost and no mercy. The result of that has been people have gotten killed and we need to step back and see if our behavior is aggravating the situation or helping it. We are accountable for our actions and I don’t care if you’re a judge like they said; they don’t have a right to tear someone apart and think their words don’t have an effect on the person.

Are you doing everything in your power to be kind to others or do you get online and type brutal and disparaging remarks about someone else, someone you don’t even know? Are you guilty of the same thing and talk down to another person just because you may not like them? Have you ever thought that could be you? How would you feel?

I know no one wants to have someone else’s blood on their hands...

Yes Steve Jobs, There is A God

2011-10-25T12:55:00.001-05:00

Steve Jobs co-founder of Apple sadly lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. He was 56 years old. He was a magnate and mastermind when it came to technology. Many doctors said if he would’ve had the operation 9 months earlier when his cancer was detected he may have lived longer, sadly he sought other ways to treat it; “he didn’t want his body to be opened.”

We may never know what he was really thinking about but he did leave a lot to ponder with his own words; “he questioned if God really existed”. The further he got into his illness the more he thought about an afterlife. I guess a person that’s facing death starts realizing the existence of a supreme being, someone who’s higher than the rest of us, who’s more intelligent than we’ll ever be, and if there is an afterlife what’s that like. Do you really get to the golden gates of heaven and if you do are you welcomed with harps and angels? It sort of sounds imaginative but movies and books portray it like that so that’s what many envision.

The stark reality is that as much as man creates and wants to solve things, he can’t help someone facing a terminal illness. And even though money is needed to make a living and people dream of winning the lotto, paying all their bills and going on vacation, money can’t help you if you’re dying. Steve Jobs was a billionaire and all the money he had wasn’t able to save him; pretty sad if you think about it.

Why do people go after fame and fortune?

They may have the need to be onstage and idolized, hear the scream of their name, the thunderous applause and walk the famous red carpet, but when you get right down to it, that’s insignificant. For someone who was so brilliant when it came to the creation of the iPhone, Steve Jobs said, “He should’ve listened to his doctors.”

If I would’ve talked to Steve Jobs I would’ve assured him there is a God not because I say so but because the scriptures do. I think at a time when people are seeking answers, you need to stop being sarcastic like many have the tendency of doing and rain on your parade. “That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalms 83:18

One day I went to visit a neighbor who was ill and tried to comfort him with my words unfortunately he was a bit obstinate and didn’t care to hear much. I had to respect the fact he was frustrated. Today I saw him sitting in the courtyard and he was waiting for a cab. I think he was going to the doctor. I didn’t even recognize him but did see his wife. When he got up he was already using a walker and looked quite frail. I saw him from a distance and felt extremely sorry for him.

It would be great if people weren’t so cold, if they wouldn’t fly off the handle so fast, if things were easier but we know that’s not a reality. It doesn’t take much to smile and offer someone a hand but we also know that’s not a reality at least with some people. I know people are searching for something better or else they wouldn’t put their hope on someone else to govern. When it comes to living and dying that’s not where it ends. Many say there’s a beginning and an end but I will never accept or believe that.

There are many people who have been masterminds in their field, who created music for all of us to enjoy, who invented things to make life easier; they didn’t just die and that’s the finale, nor were they welcomed in heaven with harps and angels. I know people believe that because that’s what they’ve been taught but if you don’t have clear cut answers to something of course you will believe what you hear. When a person dies he ceases to exist. His spirit doesn’t fly off somewhere.

All of us are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve. When Adam was created from dust “….the breath of life was blown into his nostrils and he came to be a living soul.” Genesis 2: 7

When man perishes, they’re not aware of anything, “…the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they any more have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9: 5

If you really think about it, what would people be if they didn’t have answers to questions and just lived their life haphazardly? If they didn’t have any hope? We can see the state we’re in now because people are agonizing over their condition thus they question their future.

The time will come when there will be a better government than the one many complain of. The day will arrive when everyone will live together in true peace and security. Famine will be eradicated and wars will end. Everyone will see an end to disease and they won’t have to go through operations or chemotherapy. All who have lost loved ones will one day see them again on earth. What a wonderful prospect to hold on to. The beauty is that it’s for all of us.

“Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” John 5: 28-29

Man's Worse Enemy

2011-10-23T18:25:00.003-05:00

You saw bears, lions, lionesses and tigers ready to take on society not knowing their violence and rage was seen every day. One by one as they made their way towards humans they were shot. They laid there lifeless, eyes staring ahead. Their bodies were wounded, riddled with bullets after being stopped from any destruction they could’ve done. Those were the forty-eight animals that ran loose in the streets of Ohio as if it was a jungle. People were told to stay inside their cars, homes and schools until they were captured or rendered silent. Terry Thompson was the owner of those wildlife animals and set them free before taking his own life. He owed more than $68,000 in unpaid taxes and had recently been in prison for possessing unregistered weapons. It was obvious he was under a lot of pressure and had more than enough.

We hear of people being killed, children raped or sodomized, elderly being hurt, companies being ripped off, hard earned savings lost because of greedy and corrupt individuals, teens beating each other into the ground, priests accused of child molestation and popes moving them around to avoid prosecution; those acts are committed by humans, that’s the society we live in. Sometimes people who walk with two legs behave worse than animals.

History has shown that people have been tortured and burned alive, wars have been fought trying to gain freedom, the holocaust took the lives of many to preserve one race, and many people have been used as guinea pigs injected with a disease to see how they react to a drug; those acts are committed by humans, that’s the society we live in.

The depraved mindset of many with their sex toys and games, the living for today and doing what feels good making spectacles out of themselves when they undress in public and parade the street as if it was nothing; the lascivious behavior that is accepted by many, pictures posted on Facebook or YouTube displaying their outrageous and scandalous conduct, texting and sexting that goes on by individuals that have lost all control. The very ones who do this may be your neighbor, friend, boss, employer or family member. This is the 21^st Century, the age of technology, where the World Wide Web has reached places one reads about in books. The one we know too well where news travels at the speed of light and people are there to inform you of violence and disgraceful acts.

Today many are disenfranchised and forgotten, many have chosen to stake out days and months on end to protest to the world that they’re sick and tired of their circumstance; like a domino effect its spread from state to state, country to country. Sometimes you ask them what they’re protesting and many don’t have an answer they just want to be part of the crowd, they want to be part of history. The history they’re talking about is the condition the world is in. There are others that come up with something worth listening to, they’ve been out of a job for too long, are broke and have nowhere to turn.

A woman stood outside where she worked and said she didn’t understand how sitting out and protesting would get people jobs. She had one they didn’t. Would she like to trade places? Would she like to feel the desperation many do knowing they can’t feed their family? Would she like to have those bills come in and not be able to pay them? Would she like to stand in long lines just to fill out an application? Would she like to go to interview after interview and hear the same thing, “We’ll get back to you?” Would she like to go to sleep at night and worry about not having any money? Would she like it if she wondered how she was going to pay her medical bills?

These are the fools that don’t understand, the very ones that get on the radio and spew their stupidity about how everything seems to be okay. These are the same idiots that see how people are polluting the environment and animals are losing their habitat because of global warming yet in their eyes it doesn’t exist.

Politicians know exactly how bad things are yet they say they can do better than the one whose running things. Sadly many believe that someone else can make it go away; that will never happen. Man has become too greedy and self- absorbed to care about others.

History will continue to repeat itself until the lesson is learned. What lesson hasn’t been learned? Man is his worst enemy.

When Soldiers Come Marching Home

2011-09-22T12:16:00.001-05:00

The day he walked into the office he was excited. After all he was going to wear the uniform proudly. The recruiter spoke to him about all the advantages he would have, seeing the world, an education, representing his country; the soldier would even earn stripes and be able to go up in rank. At first he was leery of joining, after all, his mother was afraid of war and often talked to him against it, but now he was ready to take it on and he knew his father would be proud of him.

What was missing from all of this wonderful information the recruiter gave him? Did he tell him everything? He forgot to tell him what he might lose.

He may be away for a very long time, he may have to do more than one tour, he may have to see his friends gasping for life, he may see blood and guts, he may have to shoot someone, he may have to see women and children laying in the street dead, he may be captured and held by the opposite side, he may get hit by friendly fire, he may go nights without sleep and hungry, he may be tortured or find himself torturing someone, he may see his friends rape women, he may come home without a limb, he may have to go through endless therapy, he may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he may be forgotten by his friends and the very ones that encouraged him to go, or he may come back in a coffin.

War is not a pretty thing and for those that have gone and fought in different ones they know the devastation it causes. We know too many who are left widows and their children orphans; women go to combat and leave their small children behind. Entire families and communities are torn apart because of war.

The reality is the more young people join the armed forces and sign those promising papers; they may in fact be signing a death sentence. It’s true, if it weren’t for those brave men and women who go to war and risk their life where would people’s freedom be? But there’s also a very cold truth, freedom comes with a price, and all of us have seen millions die, trying to free others.

When it comes to soldiers who go out to see the world, what are they really envisioning? Belonging to an elite team, the pride of a uniform, the feel of an AK47 or the reality that what they thought would be bliss and adventure turned out to be gruesome scenes when many were injured and died, the uniform didn’t mean anything when lives were lost, and an AK47 was a lethal weapon used for destruction.

A Friend for All Seasons

2011-09-21T16:55:00.001-05:00

Today many people are facing situations they had never faced before and at times they don’t have anyone to turn to; when we’re ill, afraid, don’t know if we’re going to be able to pay our bills or make the mortgage, when we don’t have enough to pay our medicine or we have to forego it in order to feed our family. Those situations can either make us or break us and that’s what we’re facing, we wish it would change but when you watch the news and see the reality it can add to our anxiety and stress.

It’s wonderful to have a confidante or friend, someone who would give us the shirt off their back; a lot of us do have friends like that, however, unfortunately friends come and go and isn’t it true when you need them the most, they’re not there? I’m sure all of us have gone through that, or maybe you’re experiencing that right now.

What do we do? Where do we turn? I turn to God because I don’t have to make an appointment to pray. I pour my heart out and let him know what I’m going through, what I may be experiencing; sometimes the burden is great and I need his help because I can’t do it alone. I have the utmost faith he hears me and will help me. How do I know this? He’s never failed me. “Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” Hebrews 11:6

I’ve noticed that people have faith in many things whether they realize it or not; if you buy something online and have it delivered, you have faith you will get it in 5-10 working days. A group of imperfect men and women will handle your request and you’re confident you will get what you ordered. Why would you doubt the Sovereign of the Universe if you petition him in prayer? After a close analysis, the latter speaks volumes.

We must always remember no matter the time of day or where you’re at, if you need to talk to someone and are in need, there’s a friend that’s never far away. “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways, take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6

The Situation

2011-09-14T13:32:00.001-05:00

I was listening to the radio this morning and as usual they were bashing Obama. I tried not to get irritated but unfortunately I did. Have people ever wondered that a lot of things they listen and see have an effect on them be it good or bad?

All of this bickering that goes on with politicians and party lines is terrible. If a person thinks they can do better after the record has shown every president has not been very successful, they’re sadly mistaken to put their hopes on someone else.

I don’t believe another person can fix the madness this world is in not even Obama, but I’m sure not going to credit someone else when history has proved the opposite; even though they may have good intentions the situation we’re in has compromised the best of their intention.

· Foreclosures are high

· Unemployment has skyrocketed

· More people considered living on poverty level

· Different diseases coming out on a daily basis

· Uninsured people escalated

· Crime taking over the streets

· Debt is insane

· Wars being fought and still no stability

· Terrorism still a very real threat

I remember when there wasn’t a way to stop the petroleum spill many said, it would take God to intervene and bring relief. The spill was supposedly stopped so I guess they didn’t need God but he wasn’t about to fix one thing and leave others as chaotic as they are, however, many still say they can see remnants of oil and I seriously doubt that after so much was spilled into the ocean they were able to clean everything up. Years after 9/11 more and more people have gotten sick because of the toxins their body took in and many have died and you’re telling me everything’s okay when it comes to the ocean? I’m not buying it.

Yesterday I saw a group of people rescue a man from under a car even though the situation was risky and the car could’ve blown up any minute, they knew someone was trapped there and they weren’t about to leave without trying to rescue him.

At first a group of women and men tried to lift the car and weren’t successful, when others saw what was going on they joined them and were able to lift the car and someone pull the man from under it. That kind of news deserves to be talked about because it shows the human spirit; there are still many people out there that are self-less showing they care about another.

Even though this world is in trouble for one brief moment they forgot what they may be going through to help someone who was in trouble; that took courage, love for another human being, strength and compassion; they thought about the person and the situation he was in, they wanted to help, that’s what was foremost in their mind and it moved them to action.

We may never know all their names unlike presidents, politicians, celebrities or reporters but ordinary people took an extraordinary moment and let the world see they were bonded by their love to help another and that kind of news we love to see, cheer and are moved by.

Remembrance – 9/11

2011-09-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

On that bright sunny morning when things seemed to be normal for everyone, the day stood still and things have never been the same again. Those who made it to work knew they would probably never see their families again and many who were late and thought they would be reprimanded by their boss, were glad that being late meant saving their life.

I sat there that morning and tears came out of my eyes when I saw what was happening; the buildings coming down, the mayhem and utter horror that was seen in the streets of New York. What evil possessed them to hijack planes and kill so many people?

The same kind of evil that lets people commit murder and blow themselves up thinking nothing of it, the evil that walks the streets and injures another human being then goes on their business as if nothing happened, the evil that can see people burning to the ground and doesn’t faze them, and the evil of those who bask in victory knowing so many have died and left behind widows or children without a mother, father, or grandparent and parents who have lost their son or daughter.

Every anniversary of 9/11 you see the planes hitting the towers one after the other, the pentagon in flames and a brave group of people that refused to give in knowing they would probably die in the outcome, preventing another plane that was probably going to the Capitol or White House and be another victory for those who masterminded that event.

I don’t believe you get closer to God by committing such a heinous crime nor do I believe your reward will be in heaven if you play a part in ridding part of humanity of those you think shouldn’t live.

After ten years many children who were once kids or babies and some who weren’t even borne have now grown up and they too have seen what happened on that fateful day. Many who were left with a spouse have remarried and are now living their life with their new mates. It’s too bad grown children have realized what man is capable of but that is a cold reality they’ve had to deal with.

The tenth anniversary is a reminder to all of us that the world in which we live has not grown safer; terrorists have been stopped many times before igniting their destruction, unfortunately other times acts have been committed.

Outside the United Nations building in New York there’s a statue with part of a scripture taken from the book of Isaiah. “And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2: 4

Why would this statue be there if they didn’t agree that what man has done is not acceptable in God’s eyes and sooner or later he will take action?

Do You Recognize The Signs?

2011-09-09T18:04:00.006-05:00

I went to the store today and on my way back I ran into a friend. We started talking about world events and people’s behavior. I agreed with everything she said and as we talked I noticed that others were passing by in their cars driving furiously as if they were angry or those in front weren’t driving fast enough; what we were talking about was quite evident right before our eyes.

Since the beginning of time man has often heard the story of Adam and Eve and because of their disobedience they lost the right to live in paradise, thus anyone born after them would be imperfect, but where does that leave us?

In September 2000, members of the United Nations met and unanimously set a number of goals to reach by the year 2015.

· Reduce the amount of people that lived on less than a dollar a day as well as those who suffered from hunger

· Ensure all children complete primary education

· Eliminate gender inequality when it comes to education

· Reduce by two thirds the mortality rate of children under 5

· Reduce maternal rate by 75%

· Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/Aids as well as other diseases

· Reduce by 50% the amount of people who don’t have access to safe drinking water

Are those goals realistic when there’s slow progress with poverty, HIV/Aids are on the rise, children who could’ve been spared an early death die because of waterborne diseases, and hundreds of millions of people live in conditions that are deplorable associated with lack of clean drinking water and sanitation? If nothing seems to be changing what’s going on?

· Warfare – Matthew 24: 7; Revelation 6: 4

· Famine – Matthew 24: 7; Revelation 6: 5, 6, 8

· Pestilences – Luke21: 11; Revelation 6: 8

· Lawlessness – Matthew 24: 12

· Ruining the earth – Revelation 11: 18

· Earthquakes – Luke 21: 11

· Critical times hard to deal with – 2 Timothy 3: 1

· Disobedience to parents – 2 Timothy 3: 2

· Lack of natural affection – 2 Timothy 3: 3

· Loving pleasures rather than God – 2 Timothy 3: 4

· Lack self-control – 2 Timothy 3: 3

· Without love of goodness – 2 Timothy 3: 3

· Taking no note of the impending danger– Matthew 24: 39

· Ridiculers reject proof of last days – 2 Peter 3: 3-4

What we hear and see around us was described millions of years ago in the Bible. What you read is exactly what you’re seeing; we’re living in the last days. Things aren’t the same since time began like many have said; things are slowly but surely inching towards the finale.

What You Can Do

When a person buys a smoke detector it’s to let them know in case a fire starts, when they get a vaccine it’s to help them fight a disease, when they heed the speed limit it’s to prevent an accident, reading and studying the Bible will safeguard your life if you act on it.

The end of this system of things doesn’t mean the end of your life, it could be the beginning, but it’s all up to you. The Bible isn’t a fairy tale or “not real” like many think, these events are significant and they will happen affecting all.

“And in the days of those kings (man’s government) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom (God’s government) that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom (God’s government) itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms (man’s government), and it itself will stand to time indefinite” Daniel 2: 44

Be Careful What You Wish For

2011-09-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

I was watching Obama’s speech about job creation and noticed some people were excited and some weren’t. If anyone took a look at those who were in attendance they seemed bored or as if they had heard that before. What many fail to realize is those who are elected were put in office by the same ones that now complain about them.

When will people get it; you may wonder get what: What people are supposed to get is that a very long time ago men requested a king to judge over them, someone they could actually see; the same thing happened; what they were doing was something very serious. Instead of relying on Jehovah God who they couldn’t see but knew was there to help them, they thought that a visible king would be better.

“In time all the older men of Israel collected themselves together and came to Samuel at Ra′mah and said to him: “Look! You yourself have grown old, but your own sons have not walked in your ways. Now do appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing was bad in the eyes of Samuel inasmuch as they had said: “Do give us a king to judge us,” and Samuel began to pray to Jehovah. Then Jehovah said to Samuel: “Listen to the voice of the people as respects all that they say to you; for it is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.” 1 Samuel 8: 4-7

Samuel knew they wouldn’t fair well with a human king and the consequences would be grave but if that’s what they wanted, he would do as they said. When it comes to politicians and governments’ people are never satisfied nor are they happy with laws that are put in place; what may accommodate some does not accommodate all, but who elected those officials? People, and by the same token they have the right to make decisions like what happened in Samuel’s time.

“And he proceeded to say: “This will become the rightful due of the king that will reign over YOU: YOUR sons he will take and put them as his in his chariots and among his horsemen and some will have to run before his chariots; And YOUR daughters he will take for ointment mixers and cooks and bakers. And YOU will certainly cry out in that day by reason of YOUR king, whom YOU have chosen for yourselves, but Jehovah will not answer YOU in that day.” 1 Samuel 8: 11, 13, 18

As commander in chief the president has a right to send your sons and daughters to war and that’s what’s happened, he also has a right to make laws or veto what he doesn’t agree with; man wanted a visible king since long ago and for those who throw their vote today empty promises never materialize.

Man has rejected God preferring another human being who’s as imperfect as him or her, that’s the reason the situation is in dire straits because the government that many believe in is NOT supposed to bring the solution to problems that has plagued mankind for so long.

Until people acknowledge and realize that Jehovah God’s kingdom will solve everyday problems and bring peace, things will continue to go from bad to worse.

Slapped With Reality

2011-09-03T12:01:00.002-05:00

I just sat there watching the news, 14 million unemployed? Yes, and it keeps rising. What’s sad is those who don’t have a job look at others and it seems like they’re not affected; believe it or not, I’ve heard many say, “If I don’t have it, I don’t want anyone to have.” Pretty selfish if you ask me, but that’s what this world has turned into, selfish people.

For all the ones that are struggling, trying to survive, I guess the unemployment rate didn’t paint much of a happy picture, and when the stock market plummets off and on, I guess it also tells you things are going from bad to worse.

I know many say it fluctuates but is that really true? I think that’s a false sense of thinking because things have never really held on, and the only reason for that is it’s not supposed to. Huh? Was man really supposed to rule man? Has power, ambition and greed blinded him so much they’ve enslaved others to do what they say? I think that’s the answer.

When a person becomes so engrossed trying to get ahead regardless of whom he hurts, that’s a serious problem because the consequences will most definitely be catastrophic.

All of us have seen politicians go into office who once said they were for the people and all of a sudden they’ve been involved in scandals. We may wonder what happened but along the way they lost themselves especially if they were around others who were no good and fed them ideas they naively took in. Sometimes power can be corrupt because it changes a person and you really have to be careful how you use it.

You know who your friends are when you’re in the hospital or out of work and a lot of people have also realized that when they land in jail no one visits them with the exception of their mother; it’s time to do an inventory of what you do and who you hang around.

“I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking to direct his step.” Jeremiah 10:23

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

2011-09-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

How many of us are guilty of arriving at a conclusion about a person by their appearance without even getting to know them? I’m sure all of us have done that at one time or another. Sometimes we size them up and down by their clothes and think they’re not worth the time of day. You’d be surprised if your decision is really a valid one.

Does Your Appearance Matter and to Whom?

Samuel was sent to Jesse the Bethlehemite to look for someone to anoint as future king. When Jesse started bringing all of his sons to Samuel, he kept passing them by saying they had been rejected by Jehovah God. Samuel asked if those were all the sons he had and Jesse told him the youngest who was David was tending the sheep; he was brought in.

In walked this Shepard boy, though he was good looking, no one would’ve thought the older brothers who were older and taller would be passed over from the youngest; after all don’t we envision a king or queen to be regal in their appearance? However, it does take a lot of humility to be out in the fields tending sheep accepting that responsibility.

“Do not look at his appearance and at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For not the way man sees [is the way God sees], because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Get up, anoint him, for this is he! Accordingly Samuel took the horn!” Accordingly Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the spirit of Jehovah began to be operative upon David from that day forward.” 1 Samuel 16:13-13

To everyone’s surprise, David was accepted and anointed to be the future king.

Why Did This Happen?

Jehovah knew David’s heart condition and what he would do for him. He didn’t take into account his youth or stature, unlike his older brothers. Maybe they didn’t have the same humility David had. After all, sometimes first born children lean towards prominence thinking that because they’re the first born, they have first rights and deserve it before anyone else; that’s not necessarily true like we saw in the case of David.

It’s extremely unfortunate that man is quick to judge a person’s outer appearance and their status; they want to know if you have a job, what kind of car you drive and if you have your own place. They also judge you on the clothes you wear and your social circle. Isn’t it true that those that deem having social status get together and sometimes drink themselves into a stupor? They also engage in questionable behavior.

What Will You Do?

If Jehovah God were to judge each and every one of us according to what we own or look like, a lot of us probably wouldn’t pass the test.

He looks at your heart and what you have inside; what’s crucial is the love you have for him, your humility and how you treat others; after reflecting on something many probably don’t even think about, next time someone makes you feel bad about what you don’t have or starts throwing others in your face, remember what’s really important.