I read with sadness the Times Leader article about the gang situation in Wilkes-Barre and the response of law enforcement to the influx of these violent groups. The law enforcement response was, essentially, "if you talk to your kids, they won't join gangs", and "we have been dealing with this situation for years...it's just different groups". Ignorance is indeed bliss.
If there is one thing that I have learned through my exposure to the criminal justice system in Hudson County, NJ over the past 15 years or so, it's that the influx of the Bloods has caused a huge increase in violent crimes. The gangs require an act of violence (either a beating, or sometimes, a murder) as the price of admission to the group. There is a hierarchy, who orders "work" to be done (violence associated with territorial disputes, personal affronts, or whatever) by the rank and file members. The Crips, for example, are targets simply because of their gang affiliation. Smaller local gangs are either destroyed or assimilated into the larger group.
The Jamaicans to which the Police Chief refers were more of a local gang, rather than a national network like the Bloods. Their violence related only to drug rivals, and not to the community at large. They were not recruiting from the streets. In stark contrast, the Bloods will declare an area "Blood" territory, and those who live there and oppose the will of the group in any way will be subjected to violence. Children in that neighborhood will be groomed for membership. They will join the gang out of fear, as they will witness the punishment meted out to those who stand in their way.
I saw two guys in Bloods colors at the BP in Pittston. I felt sick. If Wilkes-Barre does not immediately form a gang intelligence unit, and assemble a database of gang members and affiliations, the violence will spiral out of control in the city. Talking to your children about an ideal is of no use to them when their reality is living in a neighborhood rife with others who seek to harm them.
Dear Mr. Fantasy....I mean Chief....WAKE UP.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Are you insane? I am not pushing my child.
My five year old daughter can read. She uses her abacus to do double digit addition and subtraction. She was held back an additional year because, as she says, "I missed the cut off". When we attend her pre K program, it is obvious that she is ahead of the rest of the children. I tell her that education is important, and that her "job", for the next several years, is to do well in school.
Someone told me that I am "making a mistake", because she will be "bored" and will not "behave" in school. I beg to differ. Nick Kristof's column in last Sunday's New York Times listed the finalists for the national science competition. Two names sounded "American".(maybe) The other children were all Indian or Asian. I am certain that their parents, who probably lived fifteen to an apartment, worked round the clock, and ate rice every day when they came to this country, would certainly never tell me that I shouldn't encourage my daughter to soar, and instead, clip her wings before she tries to fly.
We Americans have grown complacent. That's why the world is kicking our ass. It's easier, I suppose, to have a child who plods along with the other sheep. I tell Caroline that people with top grades get top jobs. Those who fail at school spend the rest of their lives wiping other people's asses. She says that's not for her.
Someone told me that I am "making a mistake", because she will be "bored" and will not "behave" in school. I beg to differ. Nick Kristof's column in last Sunday's New York Times listed the finalists for the national science competition. Two names sounded "American".(maybe) The other children were all Indian or Asian. I am certain that their parents, who probably lived fifteen to an apartment, worked round the clock, and ate rice every day when they came to this country, would certainly never tell me that I shouldn't encourage my daughter to soar, and instead, clip her wings before she tries to fly.
We Americans have grown complacent. That's why the world is kicking our ass. It's easier, I suppose, to have a child who plods along with the other sheep. I tell Caroline that people with top grades get top jobs. Those who fail at school spend the rest of their lives wiping other people's asses. She says that's not for her.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Land For Peace, Stupid
This whole settlement disaster has been going on since well before my days at Yeshiva U. That's right, boys and girls, the Kimmeister was a student with a German surname at Yeshiva's law school back in the late 80s and early 90s. The one with the 8x10 photo of Yasir Arafat in her locker.
And, you know, the OBSERVANT Jews with whom I attended Cardozo DID NOT, by and large, support the settlement movement in Eretz Israel. These were the sons and daughters of Holocaust survivors or ancestors of those who lived in the Pale of Settlement, who questioned ANY governments right to push a people off its land. The native Israelis (Sabras) were mostly non observant, and also believed that the Palestinians should be allowed to remain. They have lived with Arabs next door for years.
I remember the day Rabin was shot. It was the death knell for the cessation of settlements, as well as the idea of "land for peace". It was during the Sabbath in the US. After hearing the news, I telephoned one of my classmates, and left a message that said "Elchi, as soon as Shabbat is over, turn on the TV because Rabin has been shot." I knew then that a Right wing loon had just destroyed any progress which had been made in achieving a lasting peace.
Since then, Israel has erected a large portions of a wall they would not need if they were not encroaching on land that is not theirs for the taking. They have revoked the tax exempt status for the Augusta Victoria Hospital, which provides medical care for Palestinians who would not otherwise be able to obtain it. They have closed off border crossings whenever they choose, effectively eliminating the ability of the Palestinians to work, shop, or travel to Israel. The hardest blow, however, came last week when Israel announced that they were going to expand settlement in East Jerusalem, which has been widely touted as the eventual capital of a Palestinian state. Christian groups are concerned by the fact that Christain residents of Jerusalem are an endangered species. The Mount of Olives Housing Project is an effort to provide the means for a continued presence in the City.
The timing wasn't a slap in the face of Joe Biden or the United States. The fact that this so called ally of the United States has so little regard for the international rule of law, the wishes of the world's people, and the rights of the people without whose consent and labor the State of Israel would not exist is more like the Israeli government pissing on the collective legs of the American leaders, and telling them it's raining.
NO settlements in East Jerusalem. Forget tough talk. Tell Israel we will cut off aid. Period. We do it to everyone else who pisses on us, and some who really haven't. It's time to show Israel that there is a limit to our patience. And it has been reached.
And, you know, the OBSERVANT Jews with whom I attended Cardozo DID NOT, by and large, support the settlement movement in Eretz Israel. These were the sons and daughters of Holocaust survivors or ancestors of those who lived in the Pale of Settlement, who questioned ANY governments right to push a people off its land. The native Israelis (Sabras) were mostly non observant, and also believed that the Palestinians should be allowed to remain. They have lived with Arabs next door for years.
I remember the day Rabin was shot. It was the death knell for the cessation of settlements, as well as the idea of "land for peace". It was during the Sabbath in the US. After hearing the news, I telephoned one of my classmates, and left a message that said "Elchi, as soon as Shabbat is over, turn on the TV because Rabin has been shot." I knew then that a Right wing loon had just destroyed any progress which had been made in achieving a lasting peace.
Since then, Israel has erected a large portions of a wall they would not need if they were not encroaching on land that is not theirs for the taking. They have revoked the tax exempt status for the Augusta Victoria Hospital, which provides medical care for Palestinians who would not otherwise be able to obtain it. They have closed off border crossings whenever they choose, effectively eliminating the ability of the Palestinians to work, shop, or travel to Israel. The hardest blow, however, came last week when Israel announced that they were going to expand settlement in East Jerusalem, which has been widely touted as the eventual capital of a Palestinian state. Christian groups are concerned by the fact that Christain residents of Jerusalem are an endangered species. The Mount of Olives Housing Project is an effort to provide the means for a continued presence in the City.
The timing wasn't a slap in the face of Joe Biden or the United States. The fact that this so called ally of the United States has so little regard for the international rule of law, the wishes of the world's people, and the rights of the people without whose consent and labor the State of Israel would not exist is more like the Israeli government pissing on the collective legs of the American leaders, and telling them it's raining.
NO settlements in East Jerusalem. Forget tough talk. Tell Israel we will cut off aid. Period. We do it to everyone else who pisses on us, and some who really haven't. It's time to show Israel that there is a limit to our patience. And it has been reached.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Mommy, what's a genocide?
My five year old daughter picks up on everything, and asks very intelligent questions. We all want to achieve that delicate balance between telling our children the truth while shielding them from its ugliness. I volunteer my time for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. I coordinate the program for a portion of the NEPA Synod. I watch films and read books about the problems facing women and children in developing countries. One of her favorite books is Listen to the Wind, which is the children's book about Greg Mortensen (Three Cups of Tea). Recently, I allowed her to watch the competition portion of War Dance, which I highly recommend to anyone who questions whether there is hope in war torn areas of Africa.
Last night, she asked me "What's a genocide". It strikes me that many Americans are not even aware that there continue to be genocides throughout Africa. We have legislated and assimilated in this country. The thought of one tribe maiming and killing every single member of another tribe for no reason other than their tribal identity seems barbaric and inconceivable. Regrettably, with two endless wars of attrition, a decimated economy, and the constant bickering and back biting over what should be a basic American privilege (health care), children high on drugs hacking the shit out of other children on drugs continents away is not a media priority.
Not that it's any surprise. The Holocaust went on for YEARS in supposedly civilized Europe, and America knew and cared very little about it until the liberation of the camps at the end of the war....after millions were exterminated. So it's a given, I suppose, that very few people even know about the genocide(s) occurring in Uganda and Sudan. And that no one did anything in Rwanda until it was over.
I told her that genocide was when one group of people killed or hurt another group of people because they were different from the killers' group. She thought for a second, and asked me, "Why would they do something like that?" Bunny, I wish there were an answer.....
Last night, she asked me "What's a genocide". It strikes me that many Americans are not even aware that there continue to be genocides throughout Africa. We have legislated and assimilated in this country. The thought of one tribe maiming and killing every single member of another tribe for no reason other than their tribal identity seems barbaric and inconceivable. Regrettably, with two endless wars of attrition, a decimated economy, and the constant bickering and back biting over what should be a basic American privilege (health care), children high on drugs hacking the shit out of other children on drugs continents away is not a media priority.
Not that it's any surprise. The Holocaust went on for YEARS in supposedly civilized Europe, and America knew and cared very little about it until the liberation of the camps at the end of the war....after millions were exterminated. So it's a given, I suppose, that very few people even know about the genocide(s) occurring in Uganda and Sudan. And that no one did anything in Rwanda until it was over.
I told her that genocide was when one group of people killed or hurt another group of people because they were different from the killers' group. She thought for a second, and asked me, "Why would they do something like that?" Bunny, I wish there were an answer.....
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Jesus WAS a Socialist, you nimrod
I watched with a mixture of revulsion and disbelief while that Prophet of the Extremists (Glenn Beck) claimed that pastors and churches who use the words "Social Justice" are closet socialists, communists, nazis, or perhaps and combination thereof.
That's right, Mr. Beck, Jesus was a socialist. He had nothing but contempt for the greedy, the judgmental, and those who failed to help their fellow man. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. wrote (paraphrased) "If Jesus were alive today, they'd crucify him again. His ideas are way too liberal". Another famous LIBERAL SOCIALIST SUBVERSIVE, Sen. Edward M Kennedy, wrote "...the only description in the Bible about salvation is tied to one's willingness to act on behalf of one's fellow human beings.....People responsive to the great human condition and who've tried to alleviate it's misery-these will be the ones who join Christ in paradise."
I have often wondered how those who proclaim themselves to be "saved", or "devout" or "evangelical" do so while judging their fellow man, denigrating other religions, and continuing to espouse the accumulation and retention of personal wealth. Finally, I have my answer. Anyone who says that Jesus wanted everyone to be treated the same, and that they would be treated the same in the afterlife is a SOCIALIST!!!! It's better to be a prejudiced, greedy, judgmental Bible thumper than a SOCIALIST!!!!
Passages that must appear in Mr. Beck's Bible:
Illegal immigrants... Deny them basic medical coverage, let them die in the desert. They're not like us. (What about the parable of the Good Samaritan?...must be socialist propaganda)
Gay people...Jesus never talked about them, but that's because they were such sinners.
A halfway house or drug treatment facility? Not in my TOWN, much less my backyard.
Sold drugs and got caught 15 years ago? You're still a drug dealer who deserves nothing. (Forgive seven times seven......nah....not even once)
Health care for everyone...Nope.
Birth control fails and you're pregnant with a child you can't provide for....we want to force you to have the child, because WE have the right to decide that for you because you're poor.
I guess the part of Matthew's Gospel called the Beatitudes is actually the Communist Manifesto of its time!!!! Don't worry, Glenn, my socialist ass will be praying for you. Jesus, the Fuhrer, Party Boss, or whatever you think he is, would want me to.
That's right, Mr. Beck, Jesus was a socialist. He had nothing but contempt for the greedy, the judgmental, and those who failed to help their fellow man. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. wrote (paraphrased) "If Jesus were alive today, they'd crucify him again. His ideas are way too liberal". Another famous LIBERAL SOCIALIST SUBVERSIVE, Sen. Edward M Kennedy, wrote "...the only description in the Bible about salvation is tied to one's willingness to act on behalf of one's fellow human beings.....People responsive to the great human condition and who've tried to alleviate it's misery-these will be the ones who join Christ in paradise."
I have often wondered how those who proclaim themselves to be "saved", or "devout" or "evangelical" do so while judging their fellow man, denigrating other religions, and continuing to espouse the accumulation and retention of personal wealth. Finally, I have my answer. Anyone who says that Jesus wanted everyone to be treated the same, and that they would be treated the same in the afterlife is a SOCIALIST!!!! It's better to be a prejudiced, greedy, judgmental Bible thumper than a SOCIALIST!!!!
Passages that must appear in Mr. Beck's Bible:
Illegal immigrants... Deny them basic medical coverage, let them die in the desert. They're not like us. (What about the parable of the Good Samaritan?...must be socialist propaganda)
Gay people...Jesus never talked about them, but that's because they were such sinners.
A halfway house or drug treatment facility? Not in my TOWN, much less my backyard.
Sold drugs and got caught 15 years ago? You're still a drug dealer who deserves nothing. (Forgive seven times seven......nah....not even once)
Health care for everyone...Nope.
Birth control fails and you're pregnant with a child you can't provide for....we want to force you to have the child, because WE have the right to decide that for you because you're poor.
I guess the part of Matthew's Gospel called the Beatitudes is actually the Communist Manifesto of its time!!!! Don't worry, Glenn, my socialist ass will be praying for you. Jesus, the Fuhrer, Party Boss, or whatever you think he is, would want me to.
Carpetbaggers/ Teabaggers and the Paranoid Right
OOOOh, I'm so scared of you and your imaginary power. There's a hit list, and my senator's and congressman's names are on it. If they vote for health care, you special needs MFs are going to sweep in from wherever you're "teabagging" and replace the people we've voted for repeatedly because they don't support your extremist views. Right. My socialist ass will be out there working much harder than yours to make sure you have no influence on who represents MY interests. And everyone knows, socialists are hard workers!
Teabaggers, carpetbaggers...practically the same thing, no? Rolling up unwelcome, purporting to have all the answers, while the people they are "helping" are being violated. I see them on television, and I am afraid. They are, by and large, paranoid conspiracy theorists.
The extremist press, exemplified by their prophet, Glenn Beck, sees a socialist behind every tree and around every corner. Now "social justice " is a secret code for Communism, Socialism, and/or Nazism. Our churches are subversive hotbeds of communism...... A recent Move On email showed Mr. Beck talking about how Stephen Colbert is the most dangerous man in America. During the clip, one of these "teabaggers" said "When Jesus wrote the Constitution..." I'm not quite sure if he was an actor or not...because I could see at least a few carpet/tea baggers believing this shit!
As you extremists are so fond of saying: "Not in My Backyard"
Teabaggers, carpetbaggers...practically the same thing, no? Rolling up unwelcome, purporting to have all the answers, while the people they are "helping" are being violated. I see them on television, and I am afraid. They are, by and large, paranoid conspiracy theorists.
The extremist press, exemplified by their prophet, Glenn Beck, sees a socialist behind every tree and around every corner. Now "social justice " is a secret code for Communism, Socialism, and/or Nazism. Our churches are subversive hotbeds of communism...... A recent Move On email showed Mr. Beck talking about how Stephen Colbert is the most dangerous man in America. During the clip, one of these "teabaggers" said "When Jesus wrote the Constitution..." I'm not quite sure if he was an actor or not...because I could see at least a few carpet/tea baggers believing this shit!
As you extremists are so fond of saying: "Not in My Backyard"
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Health Care's Three Card Monty
Being an uninsured mom of a child with a preexisting serious and ongoing medical condition, I have watched the wrangling over "health care reform" with disgust. Our elected officials are playing the same bait and switch, sleight of hand game that the street corner hustlers on Fourteenth Street do. In this case, however, the players such as my family and me stand to lose a lot more than a few dollars bet on the red card. We stand to lose our savings, our homes, and our very lives when we get the wrong card.
Congressional hustlers from both sides of the aisle have distracted the public's attention from and minimized the strong support shown pre election for universal coverage. This result has been obtained by showing a card which distracts....a peripheral, controversial issue which dilutes the focus on the important core issue of universal coverage. Shuffle...."Death Panels". See the public option....where did it go? Shuffle....abortion. Have you seen the public option? Shuffle....illegal immigrants. Pick the public option and maybe you'll get one in 5 or ten years. If you can make it that long without seeing a doctor. OOOOHHHH, sorry, wrong card. We know you can't afford to buy insurance, but now you will have to, or we will fine you.
Play again for universal coverage? You can't, because you're bankrupt. Have a nice day.
Congressional hustlers from both sides of the aisle have distracted the public's attention from and minimized the strong support shown pre election for universal coverage. This result has been obtained by showing a card which distracts....a peripheral, controversial issue which dilutes the focus on the important core issue of universal coverage. Shuffle...."Death Panels". See the public option....where did it go? Shuffle....abortion. Have you seen the public option? Shuffle....illegal immigrants. Pick the public option and maybe you'll get one in 5 or ten years. If you can make it that long without seeing a doctor. OOOOHHHH, sorry, wrong card. We know you can't afford to buy insurance, but now you will have to, or we will fine you.
Play again for universal coverage? You can't, because you're bankrupt. Have a nice day.
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