Dear Rich People

Dear Rich People,

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

Minority Miami Firefighters Commit Racial Acts Against Black Firefighter?

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

Sabotaging Medical Insurance for the Needy

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

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

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

Hurricane Aid Concert Video Tells A Thousand Words

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

When Human Concerns Take A Back Seat to Animals

Radio news jocks were in shock when they announced how 200 animals were flown from Puerto Rico to Miami and another 200 were also flown from the island to Atlanta. The unbelievable reactions could be heard in the announcers' voices and certainly that was the reaction of this writer. It is well over a month, since the people of Puerto Rico, especially those residing in the countryside villages, have been suffering with a lack of food, electricity, and adequate supply of water - needs that are taken for granted in the United States. Yet, when it comes to saving lives, the first thought to some is to get the animals out of the island. Some people who live in poverty are elderly or sick and do not have relatives in the United States to assist them in not only leaving the island but  accommodating them while living in the United States. In the United States, people display a love for their animals, and there is no problem with this affection. But, when the concerns for animals far exceeds the concerns for human life, that priority is simply speechless. People can come up with solutions to fly dogs to the United States but cannot come up with solutions to fly poor, elderly and suffering American citizens from Puerto Rico to the United States. What a world!

Consequences When Seasoned Qualified Workers Take A Backseat to Nepotism

When some people are placed in high ranking positions as a result of ... maybe nepotism, etc., etc., their lack of great knowledge and/or experience will eventually trickle to the forefront. Sometimes the deficit of not being highly qualified is gradually displayed while other times it will come out immediately. Any ignorance is brought to light whenever those persons are under pressure. They will try to make it seem they are doing a good job by: making up excuses; using blame-game tactics; side-stepping controversial issues instead of bravely dealing with the matter; trying to make it seem that others are stupid, and they are the smart ones by using sarcasm to justify their actions or words; displaying blunt, combative, or defensive reactions; lying and worse getting to the point that they are caught up in starting to believe their own lies such that their deceptions become a natural bad habit. These privileged ones will use whatever tactics are necessary while under pressure, but their shortcomings will begin to unravel slowly but surely. Stress, fatigue, and unhappiness begin to clearly show on their faces and mannerism as they start to lash out on everybody and everything.

Self Praise Is No Recommendation

Handling of Hurricane Irma's Disaster in Puerto Rico 

- "10 out of 10"

Self praise is no recommendation ~ Proverb 

People may be proud of their achievements; they may have a very high opinion of themselves; they may think that others should be made to realize what a fine person they are. But, nobody will ever have a high opinion of them if they have too high an opinion of themselves. Persons who constantly praise themselves are never believed even when they make a truthful statement.

Pride goes before a fall ~ Proverb
When people are too conceited or constantly remind others of their self-importance, they will eventually do or say something to make themselves look foolish

Chastising the Congresswoman Opens The Doors

If Chief-of-staff John Kelly is going to hold a press conference to express his disappointment with the behavior of Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, then this opens the doors for him to begin speaking out on the behavior of his white male counterparts including his boss, Trump. Certainly, Mrs. Wilson's actions does not come close to some of the bad behavior of White House cabinet members who Kelley is suppose to be monitoring. Public criticism from the chief-of-staff cannot be one-sided. His speech today conveniently left out Trump's initiating the subject by politicizing that he is better than other presidents in contacting the bereaved relatives of troops who died protecting the U.S.. Further, there was no mention in Kelly's speech of any disappointment with Trump's decision to selfishly make a point in bragging that Kelly was not contacted by President Obama after the passing of his son. Kelly's speech today conveyed exactly what he was speaking out against, "politicizing an action", when he chastised Congresswoman Wilson but failed to do so in Trump's case. How could his press conference not appear to be instigated by Trump?

Update - 10/20/2017
Trump has always showed his true colors so the public generally knows what to expect from a man who does not usually displays any tact. But, Chief-of-staff Kelly, after remaining silent for such a long time, showed his true colors during yesterday's press conference. It was not enough to politicize his concerns by belittling Congresswoman Wilson, but he bold faced lied about Wilson taking credit in obtaining funding for the new FBI headquarters while she attended the building's dedication in Miramar, FL. Fortunately, the Sun Sentinel Newspaper's video tape proved that Kelly is basically a deceitful, dangerous man.

Puerto Ricans Begging For Food While Houston & Florida Feast on Food Stamps

It is now weeks after the hurricanes and Puerto Ricans are still experiencing great difficulties  throughout the island especially in the countrysides where they are trying not only to find food but drinkable water.It is unimaginable how these citizens of the United States have not yet received the assistance that is well need within a reasonable period of time so as to get back to a sense of normalcy just as citizens in Houston and Florida. In some cases, some persons in Houston and Florida received thousand of dollars in DSNAP food stamps that will certainly lead to gluttonous spending on food in a country that already has a high obesity rate. Certainly, most of these people, who have a regular income but do not qualify for regular SNAP aka the food stamp program, had to stand in long lines for hours to be processed so as to receive the food card. Others, however, have manipulated the system and are auctioning off these cards on Ebay and FaceBook when people are in dire need of food assistance in Puerto Rico.

When Papa Trump Speaks, His Rich, Powerful Team Jump High

Rich, powerful people were selected by Trump to head up high-profile government positions in his administration. However, seeing their puppet-like compliance with Trumps' bullying demands, one would never know that these are wealthy individuals that own their own companies or worked as  high powered executives and government officials prior to transitioning to work with the Trump administration. It began several months ago at a bizarre press conference when all these leaders at a table sang high praises to Trump with even Reince Priebus thanking God for him. However, little did Priebus know that the praises were in vain since Trump intended to fire him. How vicious!! Another incident was demonstrated by Rex Tillerson, who has never shown any fondness for giving interviews much less speaking at a press briefing. So, it was quite surprising when he held an impromptu press briefing to lavish Trump with praises so as to get back in Trump's good graces for calling him a moron. Quite clearly this press briefing was instigated by Trump, himself - who else!! But, another strange incident occurred when Mike Pence walked out of the stands after members of the San Francisco 49ers  kneeled for the playing of the National Anthem. Of course,  these players are former teammates of Colin Kaepernick. So, certainly, any dummy would know that as friends and supporters of Kaepernick's stance against police consistent brutality and killing of Black men, some players would have kneeled during the National Anthem. There was absolutely no surprise in their action. But, what was amazing is not only did Pence leave the stadium after the anthem, acting as if the players' kneeling was an unexpected action that he never expected to happen,  but he was not even allowed to take credit on his own for leaving the game. Trump first him to it by tweeting that Pence left as a result of Trump's orders. Trump tweets and makes embarrassing remarks in public about his administrative team and never thinks twice to throw them under the bus. But, they continue to allow Trump to use his bullying tactics to let them look as if they are total jackasses. It is something to see how Trump's team are willing to let him embarrass them just to please him.

Tone Deaf Gun Victims to Gun Control

Heart-felt condolences go out to the victims' families and those who were injured during the mass shooting in Las Vegas. On every network national and local news, cable talk news and shows, internet news websites, newspapers, entertainment news and programs, magazines, etc. etc. etc. etc etc. stories on the lives of the victims and survivors are covered. Let us not forget, however, that there are so many other innocent victims throughout the U.S. that were killed by the gun and they, too, have a story to tell the nation. Nevertheless, it is disheartening to note that, as with other mass shooting, nothing will come of this mass shooting. It would be safe to say that most of those who attended the country music festival in Las Vegas are die heart supporters of the 2nd Amendment. Even surprising is to hear survivors and family members of those killed still support the 2nd amendment 100% and see no reason to make any changes in the rights to own guns!!??. But, even more astounding is to listen to Steve Scalise, who was shot and could have died, express that this is not the time to have a debate on gun laws and still defends the rights of people to own guns!!?? So, those who clearly see that there must be restrictions with free-for-all gun ownership in order to prevent future mass shootings are fighting a loosing battle when gun victims themselves or those who have lost loved ones to gun crimes do not budged in any shape or form to give any support to revising the 2nd amendment. How can there by sympathy for those who are tone deaf to gun control? This is one controversy where the laws of nature will take its course.

Throwing Supplies.at the Puerto Rican People Was Distasteful

The president's visit to Puerto Rico today was met with some criticism on his uncaring remarks which hammered in the fact that the island's losses would impact the budget of the United States. His great satisfaction in comparing Puerto Rico's body count to that experienced in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina was another shameful low at the press briefing. But, disorganization was observed at an all time high when flocks of people crowded a church where the president disrespectfully threw supplies to or rather at the people as if they were animals at a zoo. Couldn't the White House staff have had the intelligence to organize for residents to enter the church's building in a queue that moved in a single procession to receive handouts starting from the president to others in line? Didn't see the president disrespecting the victims he met in Houston or Florida by tossing supplies at them. Throwing supplies at the people mimics how some plantation massas gleefully threw scraps at their slaves. The Puerto Rican people deserve better - they are human beings and also citizens of the United States.

Terrorist, SOBs, vs. Lone Wolf with Mental IIlness

It is with sadness and a heavy heart to know that another mass shootings has taken place in the United States, a nation where there is a free-for-all in purchasing guns. Condolences go out to the relative and friends of the victims and injured from this horrific event that is the deadliest mass shooting in America's history.  On another note, it was questionable to hear the uncustomary public loud outcries for God and scripture quoting. But, more surprising was that after weeks and even months of divisive rhetoric from the President that put so many against each other, the message today from him is for all people to unite. But, the divisive reality continues in the eyes of minorities when the President selectively chooses in his speech to the nation not to label a murder of 59 persons as a "son of a bitch" as he did with Black professional sports players or as a "terrorist" as he constantly designates to Muslims. In spite of the vicious crime, this White man is simply considered "a lone wolf" or quickly excused as being sick or mentally ill. How wonderful!! Nevertheless, since a leopard can never remove its identifying spots, it is skeptical how long the President's kumbaya charade will persist with his inconsistent personality. Even more, it never fails that time and again after horrendous incidents such as mass killings, everyone comes together in unity throughout the United States. Let see how long this togetherness lasts this time.

Can Invading Military Forces Win A Battle On Foot?

Watching Ken Burn's documentary on "The Vietnam War" brings up the question on the ability of military forces to invade countries outside their comfort, cultural zone and win battles by fighting on foot not only against enemy troops but the country's patriotic citizens. Since the colonial era when natives fought to gain their independence from European nations, these invading forces entered their colonies heavily equipped. However, the invading military forces had to deal with natural factors such as the natives' great familiarity with the nook and cranny of the rugged mountains; steep hillsides; rocky terrain; narrow valleys; dense, mysterious forests; secluded trails; deep winding rivers; murky lakes; hidden caves; eerie dark nights; and extreme weather conditions. The natives have used these natural factors to their advantage which have allowed them to persevere to eventually see the pull out of French forces from Haiti, British forces from fighting the Jamaican Maroons, Portuguese forces from their African colonies, French and subsequently American forces from Vietnam, Spanish forces from Cuba, Russian forces from Afghanistan, and the list goes on and on and on. War should never be an option - no side ever wins in the long run.

Myth - All People From Developing Countries Want to Immigrate to the USA

Immigration has become a popular topic now especially since the recent poor handling of DACA by the Trump administration. The migration rate of so many from developing countries to the United States gives an impression to Americans that the main desire of all natives from developing countries is to migrate to the United States. That thinking may be for those who were born and educated in any developing country where their economic and/or political experiences and higher education aspirations are difficult. Even so, many of these people who grew up in another country never generally adapt entirely to living in the United States and maintain a deep yearning to return to their countries even if it is to visit for a short period of time. Of course, there are those who cannot return because of their illegal status, and this is heart breaking especially when there is a death of a close loved one back home. On the other hand, there are so many from developing countries with U.S. resident or even citizenship status who would not consider the thought of permanently residing in the United States. They believe that they would rather put up with the dysfunctions in their own country than immigrate to the U.S. where they will be regarded as minorities since they are from countries where all are considered first class citizens. They would rather maintain their professional careers in their developing countries than come to the United States where their educational achievements and professional experiences are not acknowledged thereby forcing them to take jobs far below their qualifications. They would rather live in a country where the majority of the population look like them and speak the same language so there is no chance to experience racial discrimination. There are many reasons why these people from developing countries who could easily migrate to live in the United States would never choose  to do so. Visiting is just fine with them!!

Another Clueless Move By HBCU Administrators

Here we go again!! While not an alumni of Howard University, there has always been a high respect for this HBCU.  Attending a higher education institution is expected to develop critical thinking skills that lead to reasonable decisions. But, sadly inviting James Comey as a key note speaker at Howard University just as inviting Betsey Devos as a key note speaker at Bethune Cookman University give serious consideration to the reasonable thinking abilities of those HBCU presidents and administrators who made such ludacrous decisions. The Betsy Devos issue has already been written about as noted below in the link. However, on the James Comey matter, the question is, how could Wayne Frederick and his administrators invite such a controversial person who headed an agency that has always been hostile to Black causes for so many years. Furthermore, Comey is considered as the main contributing factor to the loss of the Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton, a party that Blacks have greatly supported for generations.  Given these circumstances, are Howard University's President and administrators simply clueless?
Betsey Devos Heckled at Bethune Cookman University

Observations After Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma will be implanted in the minds of many in Florida for sometime to come. For those residing in the areas of Southeast Florida some considerations are:

After over one week, electric power has not been restored to over 18,000 customers (approximately 12,000 in Miami-Dade and 6,000 in Broward.

It took the unfortunate death of eleven elderly residents at Hollywood Hills Nursing home for the Governor and politicians to pay attention to the needs of the elderly in times of a hurricane. It is truly a shame that such concerns were not previously considered and implemented to prevent the death of so many vulnerable seniors.

Who would know that consumers of upgraded telecommunications features that are highly touted by AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint would loose their phone signals for days? I guess that these telecommunication giants need to go back to the drawing board.

No signs of the Red Cross. However, thankfully through the collection efforts of community agencies, local corporations, professional sports groups, school districts, and private citizens many are getting the aid that is needed to survive during their difficulties.

WLRN in association with the Miami Herald provided well needed news and allowed residents to call in to their studio during the early stages when thousands did not have electricity to watch television so as to keep up-to-date with the news. It would have been even more helpful if the actual names of the opened libraries and meal distribution sites were announced instead of allowing listeners, who may not have had access to the internet, to remain clueless as to which libraries and food sites were opened.

The selfishness of those who bought up more than they needed (including the man you bought 24 loaves of bread) turned into the desire of some to donate all those good that they found to be not necessary when their lights were restored.

Governor Scott's efforts to dominate all press coverage in a political effort to gain publicity for his intended run for the senate and also his attempts to restrict information to the press compromised the press's ability to release important information in the best interest of the public's evacuation efforts.

One step foward - two steps backward comes to mind when it came to the telecommunications giants since their updated mobile and WiFi networks crashed for some days.

The criminal mentality of those thugs who are not deterred by a hurricane was demonstrated when they broke into stores to steal merchandise. It is absurd that some of these store are located in these thugs' own neighborhoods where many business will never consider to open a store. Do you wonder why? The sad thing about it is many in the community will be deprived of even more needed services when the businesses that were vandalized do not re-open.

The deafening, irritating, non-stop noises of loud generators throughout practically every block indicate the popularity and somewhat affordability of the machine that many seem to believe they must have to maintain their spoiled comforts of life.

Hurricanes Uncover Ignorance About Caribbean Islands'

The 2017 hurricane season has uncovered Caribbean islands in the Western Hemisphere that many Americans may not have had any idea existed. Yes, these islands have been a part of this hemisphere for centuries, yet Barbuda, the British Virgin Island, St. Maarten (Dutch colony), St. Martin (French colony), Anguilla, St. Barts, etc. have only become new discoveries for those who have never taken the time to learn about other people and places outside of the United States of America. Yet, it is also ironic that even weather personalities that we would expect to have knowledge about these islands do not know at least how to pronounce the names correctly as is the case when the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and others mispronounce the name "Dominica". It is unfortunate that only because of the severe damages to these islands that they have now been placed on the "map" to those whose geography knowledge is limited.
How To Pronounce "Dominica"
Young Americans Shaky on Geographic Smarts

FPL - "F" Grade for Hurricane Irma

After Hurricane Wilma and the lengthy delay in getting power restored for many residents of Miami-Dade county, all indications from FPL were that many of the issues that hampered restoration would be taken care of so that customers would not have to face the inconveniences as they did during the previous storm. Wrong!! From all indications, FPL’s ability to meet the needs of residents after a hurricane has not improved since Hurricane Wilma’s occurrence over 10 years ago. Those who were privileged to get their power restored early after Hurricane Irma may not agree but the hundreds of thousands of those customers who have been waiting to see at least one of the 20,000 or so electrical workers or even a utility truck may beg to differ. There is much to be considered from the poor performance of FPL which in part cannot be blamed on the outside crew but the highly paid President, Eric Silagy, and his administrators who must bear that responsibility for inconveniencing so many once again due to their poor planning practices. Some of the considerations are as follows:

Getting access to a live FLP rep on the phone is near impossible since no effort or prior plans had been made to increase customer service staff. Further, airing an announcement that customers only need to go online to get information is annoying when one considers that so many do not have electricity, WiFi, or other telecommunication connections to go online.

Who is considered priority? Certainly the schools, major chain stores, government offices, hospitals must be included on that list to show the nation that some sort of normalcy has returned to a city. However, living between two medium-sized cities with police stations that still do not have power apart from their generators causes some question as to who are on the priority list.

FPL spokespersons have mentioned that nursing homes are considered priority. Yet, restoring electricity to the Hollywood Hills nursing home where eight patient lost their lives was not considered when power was restored to the adjacent hospital. Surely, there must have been a sign outside this large nursing home to indicate it is a place for the elderly. FPL’s quick denial that they were not told the nursing home should be given priority status is just a poor excuse after such a horrific tragedy. Furthermore, there are so many elderly and sick persons who are not residing in nursing homes who are still waiting for one of the electric trucks to make an appearance in their areas or see one of the 20,000 electrical workers that FPL spokespersons have been bragging about. A caregivers’ recent call to a radio station about her 106 year old patient show that there are individual priorities that are greatly impacted by the lack of electricity.

Having a down line in ones’ home does not seem to even matter to FPL. Such is the case of a customer who called the company to report that a powerline went down in his yard and was gashing fire. He was told by a FPL rep that a utility truck was on the way.  He called a radio station days later to report that he is still waiting for this truck.

Without a doubt, FPL overall handling of power restoration especially in the northern communities of Miami deserves an “F” grade. The company’s poor power restoration abilities indicate that competition is greatly needed in the state of Florida so that there are other options for customers than relying solely on FPL. Let’s watch and see if any of our elected politicians will step up to the plate and introduce a proposal to improve the electricity needs of the state since FPL is just not cutting it. But then again, these may be the privileged group whose power is restored promptly. ---   North Miami Dade Resident

Airports - A Stressful Place To Be

Gone are the day when going to the airport was a pleasure when all would bid loved ones farewell or welcome them to or back to the arrival destination. Now, just the though of going to any airport within the United States or even some of those airports overseas would make anyone have an anxiety attack. Some of the frustrating issues include:

Crowded atmosphere. Deregulation has contributed to cheaper costs which has meant over the year that flying has become more affordable for the masses. So, simply driving into the departure or arrival terminal can be lengthy and frustrating with traffic and curbside congestion as drivers stop anywhere to drop off or pick up passengers. The terminals are overcrowded with swarms of travelers hustling and bustling throughout a mini-city atmosphere that is impacted further with those hanging around as a result of delayed flights.

Travel regulations are constantly changing unexpectedly. So, one cannot anticipate what to expect when going through TSA lines. The only consistency is the removal of shoes.

Delayed flights. A traveler's hope is that their flight will leave on time, but that is a bit too much to expect. With flights coming from elsewhere, weather conditions, and mechanical issues to contend with, it is always a miracle when a flight actually takes off on time.

Overbooked flights. The flaw of overbooking flights was highlighted earlier this year with the inexcusable, forcible removal of a passenger from a United flight. So, one never knows if they will get on a flight even if they booked and paid in advance early and also check-in early.

Lost baggage.It is hard to imagine that after asking passengers to volunteer to check-on their hand luggage, an airport representative would tag the volunteer's bag to go to Bridgetown, Barbados instead of to Kingston, Jamaica.  There are worse luggage lost horror stories so passengers can only hope and pray that when they get to the arrival cities they will retrieve their luggage off the carousel.

Poor service in handling those who require wheelchair assistance. It is doubtful that since 2015 Eulen America's has improved its practice of taking American Airlines wheelchair passengers of the airplane but quickly abandoning these needy passengers in a secluded part of Miami International Airport for over an hour instead of wheeling them directly to Immigration,  baggage claims, and Customs. No better service can be extended to Direct Airline Services (DAS) serving Spirit Airlines whose shortage of workers mean that one worker may be responsible for handling two or three wheelchairs at the same time. So, while many may believe that wheelchair passengers' travels may be effortless, the reality at airports indicate that the wheelchair services workers are under much constraints and this ultimately affects disabled passengers.

Racial profiling of certain international flights. It is evident that passengers disembarking from certain international destinations face extra scrutiny by Immigration and Customs officers. Luggage will not be delivered to carousels in a timely manner. So passengers from these flights under surveillance  just have to wait patiently and watch other passengers retrieve their luggage although these passengers' flights may have arrived after the scrutinized flights. What is ironic is that passengers disembarking European flights may need to scrutinized too, but racial injustices continue to get those passengers a by pass.

Hypocritical Photo Op of the Year!!

It is hard to make sense or give any logical reaction to this photo op of Trump lifting a Black child. This man has not shown any respect or any desire to be cordial to the first Black president or demonstrated any interest in Black and Latino minorities and their causes for that matter. Yet, he and his political team seem to believe that lifting a Black child or craftily arranging for Black children to be in Trump's presence for a photo op during his visit to Texas will show any semblance of his compassion towards the people. Wrong!! This is hypocrisy and definitely FAKE news!! Nevertheless, his awkward, pretentious moment of holding a Black child is just another example where Blacks and minorities are slyly used throughout the years by others to follow through with their hidden agendas.

Bethune Cookman University - Student Voices Matter

Student voices certainly do matter which was demonstrated when Betsy Devos visited Bethune Cookman University. The university's administration had an opportunity to avoid such a major public embarrassment if they had only given consideration to the voices of the main stakeholders - the 6000 students who signed the petition. Any intentions of having Devos as the graduation speaker to bring more recognition to the university backfired. But, why would the Black administration not give consideration to the students' concerns when Devos has never taken Black students or HBCUs into consideration in her financial schemes? Instead, the Bethune Cookman's administration took the authoritative position of ignoring so many students' concerns. The university, Betsy Devos, and even Omaroso Manigault, with egg on their faces, will never look back with fond memories at the 2017 Bethune Cookman University graduation where students defied their administrations' failure to do what is right for their students and in the name of the great civil rights activist, Mary Bethune-Cookman. Good to see that activism is still alive among Black students!