Category: News and Views

Mother Shaming Daughter on Facebook

This video of a mother scolding her daughter went viral on Facebook. Some feel she should not have done this while other believe she did the right thing. The point this mother tried to emphasize is that her daughter is only thirteen years old and is posing online in lingerie as a nineteen year old. She wanted her Facebook friends especially the men to know she was thirteen.

This mother knows the danger that befalls many teenager girls. It is way serious than many people are aware. In Jamaica for instance seven teenage girls have been murdered since the start of 2015 some of whom were pregnant at the time of their death. Girls are getting killed to cover up pregnancies. This mother’s action may very well save her daughter from taking the wrong path.

Cancer Charity Scam

Cancer research and treatment is a multi million dollar industry. Each year various organizations collect money to help cancer patients to get treatment and to fund research. How many of these people are genuine and how much of the money raised actually go towards the cause? Not a lot it would seem.

Four charities made headlines this week in a 187 million dollar scam. They are Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services, Breast Cancer Society and Children’s Cancer Fund of America. In all of these charity most of the money raised was spent on cars, college tuition, luxury cruises, dating sites membership, gym membership and jet ski outings.

There is always room for fraud where charities are concerned because there is no accountability. While there are some genuine people in fundraising a great many are in it just to enrich themselves. It is a shame and a disgrace that while cancer patients fight for their lives as they battle this disease others try to enrich themselves from their plight. Shame on all of those involved.

Mississippi Cops Killed on Saturday

On Sunday when most people were celebrating Mother’s Day two mothers in Mississippi were mourning the loss of their sons. For them it was not a happy day. Police officer Benjamin Deen 34, and Liquori Tate 24, were shot Saturday night during a routine traffic stop. Both men succumbed to their injuries.

It is sad that these officers lost their lives in this manner and we must come together with one voice and condemn those who carried out this senseless act in the same way that we are quick to condemn those officers who do wrong. Deen and Tate did nothing wrong. They were just doing their jobs and I was appalled by a news item where an individual – who since then was fired from her job – was celebrating the death of these officers. They are someone’s son, husband, brother and friend. Every life is precious and important.

Philadelphia Train Crash

The train crash in Philadelphia is a reminder of how fragile our lives are and how death can strike within the blink of an eye.  People on that train were heading home. Many had family and friends awaiting their arrival and so many did not make it home ending up in hospitals instead. But those were the fortunate ones. Eight people are confirmed dead. Their families will never see them walk through that door again.

There are many unanswered questions. Why was the train going at a speed hat was twice the speed limit while taking that bend. Was it mechanical error or error on the path of the engineer who was driving that train. These are answers that we hope to learn in the coming days. 

Condolences to the families and friends of those who did not survive the crash. For those who remain in hospital I wish a speedy recovery. 

Sad Day For NYPD

 

Thousands came out today to pay tribute to New York Police Officer Brian Moore who died in the line of duty. Moore just twenty-five years old was shot in the face and died in hospital. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our men and women in uniform face on a daily basis. Condolences to his family. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

Mistrial in Etan Patz Case

image credit abcnews.go.com

The judge trying the Etan Patz case ordered a mistrial after jurors failed for the third time to reach a unanimous decision. Six year old Etan disappeared on Mat 25, 1979. His body was never found. In 2012 Pedro Hernandez allegedly confessed to killing Ethan but there was physical evidence or DNA to tie him in with the crime. I understand the frustration of Ethan’s parent having the case end in a mistrial but I also understand the position of the jurors. It would not have been right to convict Hernandez if the could not agree on his guilt.

Baltimore Cops Charged

image credit www.people.com

A medical examiner report ruled Freddie Grays death a homicide leading to six Baltimore Police Officers facing charges ranging from manslaughter to murder. This is good news but not a cause for celebration given the state of the justice system. It is like having a wound that needs stitches and putting  band-aid on it. The people of Baltimore are angry and this move is to quell the unrest.

Here is how this is going to play out. The officers will go and trial and they will have a predominantly white jury. They will say that they followed protocol and tell the jury that the injuries Freddie Gray suffered – which we only see in situations like motor vehicle accident – Freddie did it to himself. They will convince the jury that they did nothing wrong, Freddie Gray crushed his own wind pipe and almost severed his own spine. The jury will find no reasonable cause to believe the officers did any thing wrong and will acquit them. The people of Baltimore will once again cry foul and play the race card.  Maybe the story will end different but I m not holding out much hope.

We have a problem but the problem runs deeper than race. It is about the blatant disregard for human life. It is about people respecting the lives of only those who are popular, wealthy and looked upon in society. They treat people differently because of their social background. There is no fairness in the law and how they execute justice. Until the law ensure that every human being is treated equally regardless of race, color or social standing and those who act contrary to the law while doing their jobs are held accountable there will be no change. We cannot have a peaceful society if law enforcers behave in a manner similar to the people they are trying to police. They must stop the excessive use of force and lead by example.

Riot in Baltimore

The injustice in the America justice system is becoming unbearable. The death of Freddie Gray under questionable circumstances once again highlights the fact that unnecessary force is often used on people of color and a simple arrest can lead to death. Where there is injustice in a nation often times it can lead to strife. However there is no justification for what happened in Baltimore. The burning and looting was not a show of solidarity for Freddie Gray but rather an excuse for thugs to do what they do best. They were not there for a cause but rather to create mayhem which at the end of the day did not help anyone.

The burning of buildings and cars was senseless and uncalled for. You cannot improve the quality of life in your town by destroying it. What I saw was total madness and the worst part of it all is that many of these acts were carried out by youths. Clearly they need guidance and leadership to change their mindset so do not end up like Freddie Gray. I believe the fight for justice must continue in a peaceful and sensible manner. Behaving like thugs will in no way help anyone.

Thumbs up to the mother who disciplined her son. I hope he listens to her and steer on the right path. Once again the fight for justice must go on but in peaceful, and intelligent manner.

Earthquake Hits Nepal

Tragedy struck Nepal as the country was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8. It shook the nation leaving behind destruction and chaos. Over one thousand four hundred people are presumed dead and they continue to search the rubble for survivors. There were deaths at a Mount Everest based camp which was hit by an avalanche caused by the quake. The death toll is expected to rise. Many will spend the night out door from the fear of after shocks.  Prayers for the people of Nepal tonight.

image credit www.nbcnews.com.

Massacre In Kenya

The world is in a turmoil innocent blood is spilling left right and center. Humanity has gone over the edge and there is no understanding the senseless killings. What justification can one man have for taking the life of another. Mankind have made a deal with the devil and he is in control spurring them on to the point where some have become merchants of death.

However let us not underestimate the power of prayer. It is a strong force and with faith it can move mountains. It will take more than just artillery to quell the war of hate and the forces driven by hate whose sole intention is to leave a trail of death in their path. Let us bow down in prayer and have faith that the hand of God will stop them in their tracks.

The forces of evil as we are seeing is strong but with unity the forces of good is stronger and although evil will reign for a will in the end the forces of good will conquer and overcome. Prayers for those who were senselessly killed in Kenya. Prayers for the students who never got a chance to make it to adulthood. Prayer for all who died…all gone too soon. Prayers to the families who are left to mourn.

For those who died in Kenya my tribute to you in this song/
“Gone Too Soon”

Like A Comet
Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon…May you souls Rest In Peace