Cable Programs Intercepted by Foreign Cable Companies

For approximately 15 years, cable broadcast from the United States have been intercepted by foreign cable companies and countless number of channels have been streamed to residents within their countries. This "secret" practice have recently been made public knowledge to residents who thought that their cable providers legitimately purchased the rights from providers in the United States to supply them with cable programs.  Instead, the foreign companies have earned millions of dollars over the years by selling cable packages to residents who are fascinated to watch so many programs airing directly from the United States.  The government in those countries are aware of this telecommunication crime but have not interfered to stop the theft of intellectual property from the United States. However, residents of those countries now realize that when they were told by their cable providers that a favorite channel was dropped by cable providers in the United States, this information was not accurate.  Ironically, while people in the United States have been paying high costs to receive cable services, residents in such countries have been paying little or nothing to receive over 100 channels.

A Thug is a Thug - No Apologies!

What else can you call people who burglarize, loot, and burn down buildings where the needy may obtain services that relate to their health? What else can you call people who burn down a structure that is intended to serve the elderly in the community? What else can you call people who have no care for the property of their neighbors and burn their cars? What else can you call a person who cuts a fire hose to prevent firemen from putting out a fire? THUGS!! - that is the only description that these people deserve to be called. While many leaders have to be diplomatic when they describe the offenders in front of a television camera, they certainly know that those unlawful youth who caused mayhem in Baltimore are thugs. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake called it as it is when she said the offenders are thugs. It is unfortunate that after speaking the truth, she decided to retract  a statement that is absolutely accurate. Personalities such as Al Sharpton may not see these youth as thugs. He mentioned on the Tom Joyner Morning show that the people are living in poverty and squalor!! Sharpton apparently equates "squalor" to people who instead of making use of so many educational opportunities from an early age have geared their lives to continuing a cycle of obtaining monthly government assistance. However, if Sharpton knew of people worldwide who live by garbage dumps which they use as a resource for food and to make a life, then he would understand the meaning of squalor. No valid excuses can be given for thug behavior of burning down one's own community.
contributed by: ~ J.Y. Campbell, Ed.D.

Why Do They Burn Down Their Own Neighborhood?

As a result of Freddie Gray's death, April 27th, 2015 will be remembered throughout the United States especially Baltimore for many years to come. Instead of remembering the day when thousands came out to pay tribute at Gray's funeral, it will be remembered as a day when the youth of Baltimore negatively impacted the minds of so people who have been rooting for the "hands up don't shoot" momentum.  These young people burned down 15 or so buildings, including a CVS Pharmacy that was looted prior to the fire. This is a pharmacy that was lured with much convincing to establish their business in the community. This is a pharmacy that took care of the prescription needs of so many needy residents. These young people also set ablaze a senior citizen's community center that was expected to house approximately 60 elderly residents. In addition, they set ablaze at least 15 vehicles belonging to residents in the community. The riot will be remembered as 20 police officers were injured when they lost control of the crowd. Earlier demonstrations in the city were intended as a result of the death of Freddie Gray and the built up frustrations of the injustices that have been experienced by Black males throughout the years at the hand of police officers. However, the riot was more than police profiling and the death of Freddie Gray. Baltimore has been filled with a troubled history. Nevertheless, in the 21st century, it would have been hoped that much would have been learned from the 1968 Baltimore riot and other riots that change cannot occur if residents burn down their own neighborhood. Instead, the neighborhood generally deteriorates ten fold since no large organization such a CVS, will want to consider re-building or no new businesses will consider putting up a structure that may be looted and set ablaze. If those young people put as much time and effort into excelling in the classroom as they did in committing vandalism, looting, arson, as seen during the riots, they could acquire knowledge that would positively affect their lives, make their community a better place to live, and become an influence in affecting the long-standing injustices.
~ contributed by J. Y. Campbell

Why Does It Continue To Happen?

The news today included that American and Italian hostages were accidentally killed during an American counter terrorist military air raid in Pakistan.  Sympathies go out  to the families who have to deal with such devastating losses of their loved ones. CNN's headline asked, "How Did it Happen?" This continued pretense of ignorance by the media and Congress has become tiring.  In one of my previous posts, a similar issue was covered, and the question in that post was, "Why Does This Continue to Happen?" It takes a very special and committed person to become a humanitarian and/or aid worker in a country with natural or political strife.Time and time again, Westerners are made aware that they are not welcome in these countries. So, it is difficult to image why Westerners continue to choose to serve in  such countries where they are attacked, kidnapped, or even murdered. However, global non profits and NGOs continue to advertise job openings to lure many well-intention applicants to these dangerous countries. The assault on Westerners can only be prevented if a stance is taken to stop serving in these dangerous parts of the world. At that time, there will be no need to free hostages or create any fall out when hostages are not freed.

South Africans - How Quickly They Forget

The recent barbaric attacks on foreign African workers in South Africa makes one wonder what were the attackers thinking. Have they forgotten their own history of apartheid when their own South African people were viciously attacked by White police officers? How quickly they forget that as a result of the compassion, determination, and hard work to end apartheid of Nelson Mandela along with other South African activists and committed demonstrators all over the world, they now possess the freedoms and political powers that were once denied by the ruling class. These xenophobic attackers have treated workers from neighboring African countries with contempt, yet South Africans were treated with compassion from African nations that graciously accepted them  into their countries when they sought refuge from apartheid. Times have changed and those South Africans who were victims have now become the aggressors. They see no harm in murdering their fellow Black brothers and sisters from other nations simply because these innocent people want to have a better life for themselves and their families. Life takes a revolving process, and who knows, one day South Africans may need assistance from others outside of their country as it once was needed in the past.

Perfect Example of a Two Justice System

Robert Bates, the 73 year old Oklahoma reserve police officer, pleaded not guilty to second degree manslaughter although it is quite clear that he shot and killed Eric Harris. The shooting may be an accident; however, there is no question that Bates should never have been involved in the take down of Harris. Mistaking a Taser for a gun that kills an individual shows that the handler is incompetent. But, of course, money talks, so there is no surprise that Bates would receive preferential treatment due to his hefty donations to the Tulsa County Sheriff Office, his close friendship with Sheriff Stanley Glanz, and his influence in town. Obviously, Bates seems to also have a close connection with the judge who saw no harm in granting him permission to go on a family vacation to the Bahamas! This action most clearly shows that there are two justice systems - one for the rich and one for the poor. A low income person accused of an accidental shooting would more than likely be incarcerated with little hope of obtaining bail. So, while the Harris family is mourning the death of their loved one, Bates will be enjoying his wealth with his family by basking in the sunshine on the beaches in the Bahamas for a month. What a life! But, it is not surprising to see the injustices in Tulsa as it cannot be forgotten that in 1921 there was a race riot when the prosperous commercial district of Greenwood where African Americans thrived was burned down. Reports indicate that during the time of the riot, there were approximately 3,200 KKK members in Tulsa. During this unforgettable period in history, Tulsa police arrested around 6,000 African American residents; approximately 1,200 of their residences were burned down leaving an estimated 10,000 homeless; and it is also estimated that 50 African Americans were murdered. "The more things change, the more they stay the same".
contributed by ~ Dr. J. Campbell

No Longer Honorable Professions

Many years ago, a young girl's or boy's dream would be to grow up to become a teacher or policeman or doctor. These professions were respected throughout ages. However, nowadays, for a number of reasons, these professions have been losing the high regards that were previously associated with the careers.



Throughout the years, the involvement of the death of, primarily Black men, has brought a spot light on police officers' interactions with this racial group. It appears that in every major city, there are cases where racial profiling on the police's part has caused not only Black male drivers to be stopped more often than any other ethnic groups but to be unfairly treated. Black males are more than likely to be arrested or killed by a police officer. On the other hand, the continuous arrest and/or firing of police officers for various unlawful acts indicate that more care needs to be enforced in the hiring process since the relegation to desk duty, suspensions, or dismissals indicate that these persons would certainly not have been hired if more scrutiny during the employment process had been taken. No doubt, there are many honorable policemen. However, the corruption and other illegal practices of some overshadow the good that is present in others. .

Racketeering is generally associated with the Mafia. But not anymore since educators formerly employed to the Atlanta School Board district were convicted and sentenced for this crime. The case indicates the pressures that teachers now face to give a false impression that students are producing outstanding grades. Not only are school districts faced with these problems, but the continuous arrests of teachers for having sexual relations with students is included in the other crimes that teacher commit. The requirement of licensing or even finger printing does not weed out the teachers who do not honor a parent's trust in them to protect their children while in school. Even more unacceptable is the corruption within some school boards where playing politics or knowing the right person in administration will certainly guarantee employment and advancements.

Last but not least, doctors have come a long way. Gone are the days when becoming a doctor was simply for the love of helping people. Nowadays, the lofty profits associated with Social Security benefits have enticed many doctors to submit fraudulent claims that produces high payouts. Recommending patients for tests that they do not need or referring patients to specialist friends is now a common trend for many doctors who get a fee out of the referrals.  Further, writing unnecessary prescriptions for addicted patients also defiles this "noble" profession. These crimes among others are not expected from those who enter this profession.

So much could be said about the deceitful practices of attorneys, but there is not sufficient time to cover that topic. Nevertheless, feel free to share any other professions that have taken a turn from how it used to be portrayed in the past to the present perceptions.

Fast Aging of American Youth

When I saw the Masters golf winner, Jordan Spieth, on television I was impressed with how he dominated throughout and eventually won such an event that is regarded by many as prestigious. Yet, when it was announced that he was only 21 years old, my eyes opened wide and my reaction was, "Come on! Really! No way! He looks so very much older than 21 years!"  Probably the demands of getting to the top of the sport at such an early age has aged Spieth. Nevertheless, he is just an example of how the American youth has been aging so quickly. Yet, from an early age, the American youth seems to prefer to embrace an older appearance that is associated with a mature person who has already lived a long life. In fact, sometimes it is difficult to figure out who is the child and who is the parent since some teenage youth look the same age as their parents or even older than their parents. The American youth is so eager to dress up, look like, and act as an adult that they seem to be erasing an important part of the natural growth process. Sunning, smoking, alcoholic binging, and taking drugs add to the youth looking even older and weathered. It is now a rare occasion to see a teenager that actually looks their age because they have not allowed personalities that bombard the media to influence their appearance. The youth who has maintained his/her natural appearance may also be influenced by parents who ensure that their child continues to act and dress his/her age while in their care. Youth comes but once...enjoy it...there is no need to grow up so fast.and quicken the aging process.

Jamaican Government Spruces Up Kingston to Impress President Obama

The visit of President Obama to Jamaica has transformed the capital city of Kingston into streets and areas that Jamaicans have never seen before until now. Untidy, dirty, neglected streets, sidewalks, and public areas that residents have come to expect have been spruced up to give President Obama and his team an impression that they are driving through streets and areas that have always been well maintained. Added to this false impression, is the discontent with how street vendors' food stalls were destroyed by the army so as to keep them from the area during President Obama's visit although some have conducted their business there for as long as over 20 years.  President Obama is most warmly welcome to the small island nation since Jamaicans have such high regards and respect for him as the leader of the United States. However, the measures that are taken by the government to turn the streets of Kingston into a fairy tale city is certainly disrespectful to the residents who deserve to always live and travel through such a beautified city not simple because the President of the United States is visiting but because they are tax payers who have lived there before President Obama's visits and will continue to do so after he leaves. Furthermore, it is clear that there would be some inconvenience with the visit similar to when a president visits cities throughout the United States. However, people are restricted from coming out of their homes for 24 hours along the presidential routes! So, the routine of going to the pharmacy, shopping, etc. has been prevented. While photo ops with President Obama and government ministers will show the perfect, wonderful side of the visit, Jamaicans will not forget other government debacles that include  providing less than 24 hours to: announce roads closures; notify banks and other major businesses that they must be closed; and inform the opposition leader that he will have a moment to be in the presence of President Obama. Undoubtedly the visit of President Obama is an honor for Jamaica, but the measures taken for the visit will certainly leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the people of capital city for some time to come.

Students Under Attack

In a western society, students not only have an opportunity to go to school but, for the most part, learn in a safe environment. This expectation is not so easy for children living in the countries that are now besieged by violent terrorist groups.   While westerners live far from that society, no doubt it should still be heartbreaking to constantly hear news how innocent students are under attack. Some may say that these issues do not affect them as: they have no association with these people; they are miles away;  they live a comfortable life so why worry about anyone else. But, those in tuned with the value of life of people all over the world will feel the pain and sorrow that parents and loved ones have to endure as their children are kidnapped, injured or slaughtered for the very simple desire of obtaining an education. These attacks were taking place for many years. However, the magnitude of recent actions have brought awareness to how unsafe it is to go to school in some countries. Last year, over 300 girls were kidnapped from the Chibok boarding school in Nigeria and their whereabouts is still unknown. The Peshawar school massacre in Pakistan also occurred last year, and 132 school children were murdered  Recently, the assault at Garisa University in Kenya left 147 dead. When will this end? Are there no resolution to this madness?