What Goes Around Comes Around

A pastor's sermon included an important message that people tend to focus too much on human laws and they forget to realize that these laws are minuscule in comparison to life's laws. As such, while many have been disappointed with the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case, they should understand that although Zimmerman may have been acquitted under man's law, he will never mentally or physically enjoy freedom in the future. Zimmerman has always had a troubled life, so this in itself is a guarantee that his future actions will catch up with him as it also did with O.J. Simpson and others who simply do  not have enough self-control to avoid getting into trouble. Therefore, while Zimmerman will no doubt earn millions for his story and donations from supporters, the killing of Trayvon and Zimmerman's troubled past will continue to haunt him for the rest of his life. For those who are disappointed, they should simply be patient and give him time as trouble will be riding on his back for the rest of his life.

Immigration Reform Bill - Unattainable English Requirement

One of the provisions of the 2013 Immigration Reform Bill is that the applicants must learn English. Good luck with that expectation since this requirement is practically impossible! Marco Rubio has been highlighting this expectation in his interviews. However, as a long time South Florida resident , he should know better that some immigrants who have become naturalized citizens of the United States have never learned to communicate in English.  In fact, at a courthouse located in one major city, announcements are made to the jury pool not only in English but also in the two other languages that are dominant throughout the city. The announcement requests that those jury members who do not speak English should go to the front desk. Since these members do not return to the jury pool, it is presumed that they are dismissed. Of course, with this presumption,  some jury members who simply want to get out of serving on a jury, go to the front desk.   However, there is no doubt that the majority of the non-English speakers who go to the front desk really cannot communicate  in English in terms of speaking, reading, writing, or comprehending when English is spoken to them.  And, ironically, some of these “citizens” may even have been living in the United States for more than 30 years. While immigrant children who are natives of non-English speaking countries learn English without much effort when they are enrolled in schools in the United States, this is not an easy task for adults especially if they have had learning difficulties as far back as when they attended school in their own countries. So, if not even naturalized citizens are required to learn English, how will it be possible to stipulate in the proposed Immigration Reform Bill that immigrants who apply for immunity must learn English. This is simply not practical!

"Celebrity" Ignorance on Dictatorship Regimes?

Since this year, reports have been made on visits by "celebrities" to countries that are known for their dictatorship regime and inhumane treatment towards their citizens. First case was Beyoncé and JayZ's visit to Cuba. As they stride happily through the poverty stricken Havana streets without a care in the world with their body guards in close proximity, the excited citizens walked alongside them and screamed in awe at witnessing the visit of such a well-known international couple from the United States. Over the weekend, JLo visited Turkmenistan to perform and wish the president a happy birthday. Through her spokesperson she claims that she did not know she has visited one of the most repressive countries in the world??!! Of course not, why would she if her performance commanded high payment and luxury accommodations! Are these celebrities completely clueless to the sufferings of the people in these countries they have visited or are they simply so self-absorbed that they do not care to become educated on the human rights records of these countries before they plan their lavish visits. While these "celebrities" may not be well educated, surely their entourage of advisors including attorneys should be knowledgeable to obtain information about these countries. So, no excuse is acceptable. Having a public image does not only mean that "celebrities" should focus simply on their craft or areas of specialty. If they are known and supported by fans all over the world, then they owe it to these international supporters to at least become aware of a country's political system and how the people in these countries are treated prior to planning any luxurious vacations to countries where people are suffering every day.  It is simply common sense - it does not cost to become educated on human rights issues.