National & Local Politics, Socio-Cultural Commentary

12 Things that “Pro-secessionist” Republicans need to consider

April 19, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Wisconsin Republicans tout an illogical secession from America

by Dr. Samori Swygert

I was listening to the Joe Madison show on Tuesday, April 15, when Joe addressed the topic of state secession. The state of Wisconsin has some Republican citizens considering seceding from the United States of America due to their dissatisfaction with the operations of the current administration.

I think everybody has the right to their opinion, and I respect that. I always believe we can be congenial and cordial in our discourse, even if we disagree. However, I want to expound on that topic of secession and the potential implications. I wonder if these “pro-secessionists” have thoroughly calculated what this entails.

Let’s look at secessions logically

When natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, uncontrolled wildfires, and more occur, you can’t declare a state of emergency and demand federal aid to help.
What happens to all of the nuclear sites dispersed throughout America in silos, and other undisclosed locations? Will these states then own these nuclear capabilities?
Will the state have enough revenue to continue Medicare and Medicaid for their residents, being that these programs are federally funded?
College age students would be ineligible for FAFSA loans from the federal government to attend college, if need be.
Several military families would have to relocate because military bases would be relocated, and soldiers in Wisconsin would face criminal charges if they choose to stay in Wisconsin.
The state would have to devise a whole new currency, banking system, and commerce system because the FIDC insures bank deposits.
They would have to construct their own airports with their own flight technology because the FAA has command over the airports, boundaries, and aerial flight all across America. Moreover, any plane that flew out of Wisconsin would be considered a foreign plane in U.S. airspace, and considered trespassing into foreign territory.
Wisconsin would have to create and provide a new system of communication for all of its residents because the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates interstate and international communication via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Secession would essentially kill all communication with family members in different states. Moreover, this would kill much of the businesses that rely on internet availability.
The Postal Service would cease and desist from the delivery of mail because that is under the U.S. government. This would further cripple business and halt communication outside of Wisconsin. Furthermore, they would commit commerce and travel suicide because they would essentially imprison themselves within the state due to the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration). This government agency “provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance and preservation of the Nation’s highway, bridges and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local agencies in an effort to improve safety, mobility, and livability, and to encourage innovation,” according to the FHWA website.
How would the state guarantee the needed medication for all of its residents? FDA regulates drug approval for starters. Secondly, how will they obtain medication from drug manufacturers outside the state of Wisconsin? Many drug factories are overseas and dispersed throughout America, and Wisconsin’s isolation would nullify delivery to their hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics.
Many families would also be displaced because several properties and hospitals are acquired by loans by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration). The federal government would have to repossess the property that individuals reside in/on because many people/entities would not have the real estate they currently own if it wasn’t for FHA loans.
Furthermore, Wisconsin residents would technically be considered “immigrants.” They would have to go through the rigorous tasks of attaining visas and strict immigration enforcement that many Republicans promote. So a high school senior with a 4.0 and top 5 percent SAT score who is eligible for matriculation at Harvard University, would have to wait on the same immigration line for lawful citizenship and a vias to enroll in Harvard. Do these same republicans want to apply that strict border enforcement and immigration policy on their own children when it comes to getting a college education?

These are some of the concerns that I would love for this faction of the Republican Party in Wisconsin to address. Moreover, Wisconsin isn’t the only state that has mentioned secession. Portions of the Republican Party also promote secession.

What are your thoughts on this, and why now? How would you feel if you were a Wisconsin resident and this political body took it among themselves to speak for the entire state considering all of the above?

Source

Books/ Movies/Music/and Art reviews, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Wolf of Wallstreet: 7.5 Afros out of 10

April 12, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Wolf of Wall-street: 7.5 Afros out of 10

I had the opportunity to watch the Wolf of Wall-street. This movie wasn’t a hit because of the cinematography, I think the intrigue resides in the fact that this was all based on a true story.

I think most Americans are aware of the decadent excesses of the rich, the bad habits, carte blanche access, and over the top indulgences. This movie fit that bill lock and key. I wouldn’t recommend this for anybody under 18, despite how raunchy our cultural norm has degraded into sheer debauchery.

Sex, drugs, money, greed, power, and ego are the central tenets of this film. Leonardo DiCaprio did an excellent performance. I think he really embodied the character that the director was trying to illustrate. Many messages can be taken home about this lifestyle as cautionary tales, like: watch the company you keep, avoid drugs, always do the right thing, fidelity and honesty is key for successful marriages, know who you’re marrying and why you’re marrying them, and pride always comes before the fall.

For DiCaprio’s character to arise from the valley to the peak and plunge further below his starting point is a riveting plot.

This makes you ask, What profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?

Science & Technology, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Does Dr. Ben Carson really believe everyone should be microchipped?

April 12, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Does Dr. Ben Carson really believe everyone should be microchipped?

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

I was listening to a rebroadcast of Roland Martin’s radio show on WOL Friday morning, and during the show he aired an interview he had with retired Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson. As a young black male with a career in healthcare, I became enamored with Dr. Carson while in undergrad.

I read his books Gifted Hands, and The Big Picture. They were very inspirational and thought provoking. It motivated me because his domestic situation mirrored mine. My mother raised two young black males in an urban city after my father’s death, and I took a true liking to reading and followed the health sciences path for my career pursuit.

However, since Dr. Carson’s retirement, he’s thrown his hat in the political arena. He doesn’t like to claim any one particular party, and denounces political labeling, but the majority of his recent appearances side with Republican ideology. I don’t knock him for his beliefs. I believe people can respectfully and harmoniously embrace or disagree on ideals. Many times, vitriolic name-calling forces a person to become more defensive rather than receptive to an alternative perspective.

I also agree with him on some points. For example, he believes our budget needs streamlining because the American deficit is out of control ($17 Trillion dollars). I highly agree! He also broke it down numerically so that people could understand the enormity of our debt crisis. Dr. Carson said if America paid $10 Million dollars everyday toward its’ debt, it would take 4,657 years to pay off $17 trillion dollars (YIKES!!). I calculated it, and he was correct. That’s a serious problem. My question is, “What is the most fiscally responsible plan to shorten that time frame, without cutting crucial programs that many Americans need?”

Dr. Ben Carson has a chip on his shoulder

Dr. Carson said something else that shocked me and made the hairs on the back of neck stand, nostrils flare, and raise my eyebrows. He feels that every American should be “microchipped” with an RFID data microchip.

His position was from a healthcare perspective. More and more hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems are incorporating electronic patient medical records. This is done to maintain a complete profile that is easily accessible and updated incase a patient goes from one institution to another.

This permits doctors to see what kind of care plans, procedures, medications, tests, and diagnoses have been made previously to avoid duplication, unnecessary diagnostics, and etc. ( e.g. you wouldn’t want extra X-Rays if unwarranted).

Dr. Carson feels that if all our personal health information was encoded and injected into a person, it would decrease the loss of data, identity fraud, and other inconveniences. Moreover, other healthcare practitioners feel this facilitates a continuum of information in extreme circumstances. For instance, a person may be found unconscious or disoriented and can’t communicate the proper health information to emergency personnel. Medical staff could just scan the chip and retrieve all pertinent data to provide appropriate medical attention.

However, this is a very edgy conversation with a very slippery slope. Many people are objectionable to this. We’ve seen how the misuse and abuse of data can be disastrous. The whole NSA debacle has really put a bad Orwellian — George Orwell based ,1984, authoritarian surveillance state novel — taste on the palate of many Americans.

We’ve seen how millions of texts, emails, and phone conversations were being secretly monitored. We’ve heard how the IRS was peering into political party financial activities and how the government has been “allegedly” spying on congressional lawmakers. There would have been no talk of surveillance reform had it not been for Edward Snowden.

We’ve seen how easy Target has been hacked and their customer database compromised. We’ve also witnessed the shortfalls of the Obamacare website. So first and foremost, how and who will guarantee the security of everyone’s data? How do you guarantee the veracity and integrity of character of individuals that access this data?

Imagine if a hacker accessed your data and changed the blood type on your medical record, and you received the wrong blood transfusion! What if a hacker switched your allergy information and you received medication that you are not supposed to have? What if a hacker posted false test results like you’re HIV positive, or inputs a diagnosis of cancer, or false X-Rays, or false billing charges?? This could be disastrous, but this can also be done without the chip (as long as they access your electronic medical record).

Lastly, who else will have access to this microchip data? Could the government mandate it as an addendum, amendment, or prerequisite for healthcare coverage in the future? How will they analyze and apply the data that’s obtained? For instance, many jobs use your credit score and SAT scores as employment criteria, and many people don’t know this.

This means that unbeknownst to you, some unknown entity utilized information about you to make life altering decisions based on private criteria that they’re only privileged to. They haven’t asked you to explain your situation, they’ve just prejudged you. Furthermore, this can lead to permanent GPS tracking, financial tracking, and a slew of other privacy violations beyond what your cellphone, car black-box, and social media reveal.

The idea of microchipping citizens needs to undergo a thorough cogent analysis and consider the rights and wishes of the American citizens. If America disregards the wishes of its citizens and mandates this, then we have officially migrated to a true authoritarian dictatorship.

Do you want to be “Lo-jacked”?

Below is a link for Channel 7 Eyewitness news video about microchips for humans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URTV128IeD8&feature=player_embedded

Global Issues, Socio-Cultural Commentary

America sends ballistic missile destroyers to Japan

April 12, 2014 admin Leave a comment

America sends ballistic missile destroyers to Japan

by Dr. Samori Swygert

“EVERYWHERE THERE’S WAR, RUMORS OF A WAR, WAR IN THE EAST, WAR IN THE WEST”– ”War” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley was prophetic, observant, and just objectively sober. He had a keen insight into the mind of mankind and how we address humanity when we interact with each other culturally, socially, and politically. America could stand to sit down and listen intently to each word in his song titled “War.”

The United States government has an interesting way of choosing how to exercise and enforce our foreign policy and diplomacy.

America is at it again. According to an article by the Guardian, the U.S. is sending in two additional ballistic missile destroyers to Japan. This is a maneuver to “counter” North Korea’s military progression.

U.S. Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, said some things that seem rather hypocritical about how other nations handle their international affairs.

The Guardian quotes Hagel saying: “We must be very careful and we must be very clear, all nations of the world, that in the 21st century this will not stand, you cannot go around the world and redefine boundaries and violate territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations by force, coercion and intimidation, whether it’s in small islands in the Pacific or large nations in Europe”.

He continued to criticize Russia’s move on Crimea, and China’s encroachment on smaller Pacific Islands.

I think we must be honest and admit that our government goes around and imposes, asserts, coerces, and exerts their authority on several nations and ignores the sovereignty of numerous countries.

We’ve seen how African nations are being bullied around by America’s ultimatum to accept homosexuality or face stiff sanctions. We’ve had a propaganda based war in Iraq. We have nuclear capability but yet we tell sovereign nations like Iran and North Korea that they can’t possess or develop equivalent weaponry. We use treaties, resolutions, and U.N. reccomendations as a pretense to rationalize the disarmament of these nations.

We’ve been and still have a demographic within our nation that are warmongers that are hell bent on war and conflict. We’ve just had a run-in with Syria less than a year ago; we’re trying to dictate policy to Russia; and we’re still trying to keep Iran disarmed. The sad thing is that we invest so much in war. We study war; we develop biological and chemical weapons; and we engineer mechanical weapons for war. We are obsessed!

This is a sick cycle in which a set group of individuals that own and invest in war are the only ones to gain from global conflict. The citzenry are left to foot the bill, which is partly why we’re in a deficit now from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The insult is the fact that the “powers that be” eagerly salivate over war, but never ever send their sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews into the harms of war. They never have to deal with family members that return in bodybags, folded flags, PTSD, shell shocked syndrome, and physical disfiguration. Our troops come back and cant find employment and typically face delayed benefits.

Private equity firms are poised to make billions from war and conflicts between the munitions industry, tech industry, metal/mineral industry, fuel industry, and more.

The paradoxical hypocrisy of freedom, liberty, and peace that we espouse in our sanctimonious posturing really humors me sadly. I don’t know how we assume this position of moral superiority when we engage in some of the same war-based practices as the nations we condemn.

What would we do if other countries sent drones over here for surveillance? However, we send our drones all over the globe just to watch or quell any inkling of offense.

We always find ourselves in some international war/conflict but never find the right things like: WMDs, Malaysian Airplanes, Peace, Zimmerman guilty, Relisha Rudd, or the $30 trillion dollars in offshore tax havens……..SMH

Environmental, Socio-Cultural Commentary

U.S. Geological Survey says “fracking” is causing earthquakes

April 12, 2014 admin Leave a comment

U.S. Geological Survey says “fracking” is causing earthquakes

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

Earth is being rendered uninhabitable at a rapid pace. This scares and saddens me to see this. Many of us are unconcerned because we don’t see the immediate severity of our environmental insults.

I read an article in the Huffington Post today about earthquakes being caused by the hydraulic fracturing , “fracking”, in America. This is disturbing because our endless quest and pursuit in science, technology, and capitalism is sabotaging our very existence on earth.

I’ve always theorized that these recent string of eartquakes and sinkholes are arising from the increase in fracking. To me it only makes sense. We’re penentrating the layers of earth and disrupting the mantle, and fragile fault lines that have provided structural integrity for ages. We’re pumping high pressured fluid, sand and chemicals deep into the earth, and extracting oil on a nationwide scale. What do we expect to happen? One researcher described fracking as performing an enema within the earth, but all over North America.

The United States Geological Survey said that the fracking is causing earthquake but not a significant seismic magnitude. The report says most of the earthquakes register around a level 3 or less in magnitud, however that is just this study. I’m sure the more pervasive we get with fracking, we’ll see a surge in frequency and magnitude of earthquakes.

I do understand that we do need alternative sources of energy. This is only logical because of the explosion of earth’s population and the demands that come with it. However, also feel that there is a greed and power factor involved, and capitalist entities choose to hoard and control natural resources in excess.

I’m very passionate about science, nutrition, and our environment, and I don’t think we are caring about our ecosystem as we should. Ecological damage is a neccessary evil when we advance industrialization, but is it worth it in the end? I cringe when I think of the ecological environment our babies and kids have to grow up in. Some will never know the pure beauty of earth by the time they’re adults. They’ll never experience and enjoy the treasure nature blessed us with.

We allow corporate entities conduct dangerous penny pinching, environmentally hazardous maneuvers that repeatedely damage our environment. Think about Exxon Valdez Oil spill, the BP Oil spill, the Dan River Coal ash leak, the Fukushima Nuclear reactor leak, and more. With our countries nuclear capabilities, is it possible that an earthquake can damage these facilities and harm us??

The news outlets just released an article this week that detailed how the military will be using our seawater to make Jet Fuel. So extrapolate, and predict what the potential outcomes and ramifications will be. Water is so neccessary for life, however this will now become monetized and militarized on a whole new scale. This reminds me of the movie Elysium. Our most vital and essential resources will are being exploited in gluttonous excess without any 2nd thoughts about our future habitat.

Maybe those that have money will get their timeshare and mansion across town on another planet. How do we balance need and greed with our lives in mind?

Sources

1. http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/man-made-earthquakes/

2. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/10/game-changer-us-navy-can-now-turn-seawater-jet-fue/

Education, Socio-Cultural Commentary

D.C.’s educational battle – Books vs Boundaries

March 29, 2014 admin Leave a comment

D.C.’s educational battle – Books vs Boundaries

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

The Mayoral race within the Nation’s Capitol is embroiled in some of the most captivating events. The current Mayor, Vincent Gray, has been swaying the voting tide by picking up extra support from ex-offenders. He’s also under scrutiny of a campaign scandal from his first election.

D.C. has also been in the thick of a social, and community overhaul. D.C. used to be referred to as “Chocolate City”, but a surge in city development, specialized employment, and cost of living has shifted the traditionally African American demographic to the outskirts of the city and local suburbs of Maryland. Individuals and families that have resided in D.C. for decades have been essentially , “priced out”.

A high influx of non-black citizens flush with cash and high paying jobs have replaced a significant African American demographic. Charter schools have bloomed all over the city, and now citizens are facing another social obstacle, EDUCATION. The access to equal education is at the center of debate now. The city is working on proposals that will either physically redefine the geographical boundaries on the map, and thus change school zones for the residents, or change the policy of what schools children are able to attend. Is this a form of “educational gerrymandering”?

The mayoral candidates have to address school overcrowding, under attendance, feeder patterns, and under performing schools. According to a Washington Post article, some parents are even considering relocation as an option pending the final outcomes of the education proposal. The education proposal is expected to be finalized this July.

Council Member, David Catania, is quoted as saying” I won’t support a plan that moves children from a higher-performing to a lower-performing school”. That sound’s good at first when you say it, BUT what it’s not saying is more troubling.

I have a few questions.

Why are there higher performing and lower performing schools? Will the city redistribute high performing teachers evenly throughout the city? What mechanism is in place that allows the channeling of the best teachers into a particular zone or school, while other schools are deprived? What performance improving strategies are you actively enacting to raise the performance level of lower performing schools?

A school is only as good as the teachers, budget, resources, and curriculum. D.C. is one city and the citizens pay taxes toward public education. Each student should be afforded an equal chance and opportunity to a quality education if public schools are funded by the people’s tax dollars. Why should geographical locale deny or afford two standards of education.

This is back to the issue of SEPARATE BUT EQUAL.

The teachers, money, upgrades, facilities, equipment, supplies, resources and other educational amenities should be distributed and allocated in an equitable manner to offset any disparity. Once children are within the confines of our public schools, each child should be afforded the same education regardless of their city zip code. We should exhaust all efforts to correct and standardize the aforementioned factors, because you can’t control the student’s domestic circumstance. Every child has a different domestic situation (parental involvement, income, community safety), and learning style, but identical quality education should be the constant that reduces the probability of our children falling to the wayside.

Andy Shallal, owner of Busboys and Poets Restaurant, is also a mayoral candidate. Andy Shallal said, ” I would put the whole boundary thing on hold. We need to not focus on boundaries but on fixing schools.” I like Andy’s response. Playing musical chairs with our children’s education is not cool. Fix the schools so that no matter which school a student attends, they can obtain a seamless continuum of quality education. A family should be able to move from Northeast D.C. to Southeast D.C. and receive the same quality education.

Education and Blueberry Muffins

If education was like a $3.45 freshly baked Blueberry muffin from Starbucks in Northeast, how would you feel paying the same $3.45 for a Blueberry muffin from Starbucks in Southeast, but the muffin is 4 days old and moldy? If Starbucks has true concern about its’ brand and image, they would guarantee the same quality freshness, ingredients, and customer service despite the geographical location of their stores. That’s how I see the accessibility and affordability of education.

Our children’s future should not be predicated and dictated on the basis of their current address of residence, or GPS coordinates.

What say you??

Source

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-mayoral-race-injects-uncertainty-into-school-boundary-overhaul/2014/03/28/03ab9e7e-b67a-11e3-b84e-897d3d12b816_story.html?hpid=z3

National & Local Politics, Socio-Cultural Commentary

D.C. ex-offenders sway political elections by the thousands

March 27, 2014 admin Leave a comment

D.C. ex-offenders sway political elections by the thousands

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

In Washington, D.C., ex-offenders are gradually changing the political landscape of the city. April 1^st will be the day of reckoning for the D.C. Mayoral election. The current Mayor, Vincent Gray, isn’t dismissing any potential vote. Ex-offenders represent a significant burgeoning political demographic that politicians are forced to consider in elections. The amount of eligible re-entry voters are approaching a critical mass that can sway local elections that teeter on delicate political margins.

According to an article published by the Washington Post, 1 in 10 D.C. residents are ex-offenders. A 2008 city survey reported that approximately “60,000 citizens have a criminal record”. A spokesperson from the Office of Returning Citizens Affairs gives a higher projection of 75,000 to account for the time lapse since the initial survey. Courtney Stewart is the director of The Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, and he reported that his nonprofit group registered up to 4,000 ex-offenders prior to the 2010 mayoral election. Prior to the 2008 election of President Barack Obama, an estimated 10,000 ex-offenders were registered to vote. Furthermore, 8,000 ex-offenders return to D.C. annually from federal and local prison.

Election ballots are even being delivered to correctional facilities for eligible offenders. The correctional system is specific in its terminology and characterization of offenders. There are felons, parolees, probationers, and a myriad of individuals under correctional supervision for various reasons. Despite the criminal record, Mayor Gray has made an all-out attempt to tap into this power base. He’s promised to utilize $100 million dollars of reserved funding to help ex-offenders obtain affordable housing. According to the article, D.C. has hired 534 ex-cons as bus drivers, camp directors, and bus attendants. 400 ex-offenders have gained employment with construction firms. The city has financed the training of 112 ex-offenders to obtain commercial driver’s license training. All of this has occurred under Mayor Gray’s watch.

Mayor Gray promises even more assistance if re-elected. He has reported that he wants to provide the necessary assistance with jobs and housing to reduce the chances of recidivism.

I think that this is an important political issue. Close to 2 dozen states have become more lenient and less stringent with the restoration of voting rights for ex-offenders. When people commit crime and serve the time, they should be allowed the right to participate in the voting process and have a say in the laws that affect them. We must also think about the number cases nationwide where innocent people have been exonerated by DNA, evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and plain mistaken identity. Should these individuals be denied the right to vote because the criminal justice system failed them? Furthermore, it would be hypocritical to deny this right when we profess to be a forgiving and accepting country. This demographic may prove to be the political wildcard that upsets the plans of many highly conservative think-tanks.

What are your thoughts?

Source

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/in-dc-mayors-race-embattled-gray-may-have-a-secret-weapon-in-growing-ex-prisoner-vote/2014/03/22/9a5834e4-aac3-11e3-adbc-888c8010c799_story.html

National & Local Politics, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Contemporary gun control concerns: Part 2

March 26, 2014 admin Leave a comment

The ignored gun control conversation: Part 2

(Click here to read Part 1 of this discussion)

by: Dr. Samori Swygert

We are not addressing the real issue when it comes to gun control legislation. We are failing to conduct a thorough root-cause analysis of American violence. Why are so many people growing frustrated, and choosing to lash out in acts of MASS VIOLENCE on innocent citizens? That is the proper and appropriate question.

Many believe that disarming citizens is the answer, but this is far from the truth. There’s a myriad of methods that sick sinister individuals may exact their vengeance on innocent American citizens. Let’s examine this quickly: 1) A man got frustrated in California and plowed his car through a crowd of people at a Venice Beach festivity — he mowed down scores of party goers and killed some of them. 2) We’re familiar with Ted Kaczynski who was sending off mail explosives. 3) We saw Timothy McVeigh conduct the Oklahoma City Bombing. 4) What about the Olympic Park and Boston Marathon bombings? 5) We had the one sicko that was mailing poison to state officials. 6) There was a knife attack at a daycare. 7) A Georgetown University student was recently caught for making the deadly chemical Ricin in his dorm. 8) Do you remember the Sarin gas attack in the Chinese subway station? [Note: I haven’t even mentioned arson, and food poisonings.]

So with that said, are they going to ban cars, gasoline, knives, envelopes, etc.?

Furthermore, how are we going to defend ourselves against a home invasion with a seven shot gun clip? The legislators that make these laws act like they have successfully fended off each and every home invasion personally with seven bullets. When home invasions occur, it typically involves multiple intruders that are sufficiently armed. Seven shots won’t cut it, and this is why cops don’t carry a seven shot gun clip. I mean you don’t need a bazooka but let’s be sensible.

Let’s keep it real

What is the game plan to account for guns that are already in circulation, unregistered, and buried in the woods, compounds, Neo-Nazi camps, and secret arsenals? Have you seen the arsenal of these DOOMSDAY PREPPERS, gun enthusiasts, and militias? Will the government conduct door to door household reconnaissance with search and seizure intentions? I can understand that regulation is a step toward reduction of gun violence, but what about law-abiding citizens that legally purchase their firearms, use them responsibly, and store them safely? Should the average law abiding gun owner have to forfeit their fire arms and constitutional right to defend themselves?

We really need in depth discussions on coping skills, conflict resolution, effective communication, respect, love and let’s not forget the biggie, POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT. Individuals are less prone to rob, steal, and kill someone for their belongings when they have the purchasing power and ability to purchase their own; and when they don’t have the ever-present mental stress of poverty, deprivation, and a “survive or die” mind state.

We are not addressing the violent movies, video games, and TV shows that give many people a step by step instruction manual and demonstration on how to plan attacks and shooting to kill.

However, legislators are willing to take away our rights to adequately defend ourselves, but say nothing to the TV and Hollywood moguls that pervert the idea of gun ownership. They introduce some of the most violent content into the psyche of our youth.

Talking loud and ain’t saying nothing

Moreover, if legislators are not going to be physically present at my house at 3am during a home invasion to provide immediate, real time security and demonstrate their seven shot marksmanship, I don’t want them limiting the options to defend myself and my family. However, I doubt Diane Feinstein, Al Sharpton, Michael Bloomberg, and other anti-gun legislators will provide personal backup and patrol on your front porch and backdoor when it all goes down.

There also needs to be gun control on these cops having firing squads on citizens like Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, and handcuffed men shooting themselves in the back of squad cars.

What say you???

Read Part 1 of this discussion here

Socio-Cultural Commentary

A Historical argument about gun control : Part 1

March 26, 2014 admin Leave a comment

A Historical argument about gun control : Part 1

by: Dr. Samori Swygert

This first installment of a two-part blog will address the historical concerns and implications of guns and what gun legislators routinely dodge.

The gun control debate is a persistent item on the American socio-political agenda. Politicians, activists, lobbyists, and American communities have very legitimate arguments for gun control. Time after time we hear about neighborhoods plagued by gang violence, drug wars, and mass shootings in schools and other social establishments. However, anti-gun advocates tend to miss, overlook, or intentionally disregard alternative perspectives on the issue.

Current proposals

A myriad of gun control proposals are currently being examined. Some want an all-out gun ban. Some want a ban on automatic rifles. Several states want reduced gun magazine capacity. Some advocates push for extensive background checks, and others want mental health screenings. Some states have proposed extended waiting periods before firearm purchases are granted. Some states limit the amount of guns that can be purchased within a certain period of time. Future technologic advances propose biometric activation of firearms in order to fire a gun.

Historically Speaking

Historically speaking, guns have always been the deciding factor in the establishment of history since it was invented. The gun is one of many Pandora boxes on Earth. Since its’ inception, it allowed civilizations to manipulate the course of history by exerting dominance over others by instant deadly force. The following are just a few examples:

How successful would Hitler have been if all Jewish families had equivalent or superior weaponry to his regime, or guns at all? The Jewish and other European groups were systematically disarmed, and left defenseless against Hitler’s tyrannical authoritarian regime.

How successful would the system of slavery in America have been if each African brought to the North American continent was equipped with the same or better firepower of the slave traders and plantation owners?

Let’s even examine the Civil War because we are constantly bombarded with unprovable statements that American citizens have nothing to fear from the government: Within our own country, we had war between the North and South. Cousins were literally fighting their own cousins and family in battle. Why? Let’s make it simple without getting bogged down in historical facts — there was a difference in belief between citizens, and both sides were committed to their ideology and prepared to fight for it. The ability to arm and defend themselves prevented one from easily overpowering the other.

However, the contrast to the Civil War is that the American military utilized the threat of firepower to usurp the land of Native Americans. In 1829, President Andrew Jackson called for the INDIAN REMOVAL ACT. This resulted in the forced, militarized mass exodus of Native Americans off their land, LITERALLY AT GUNPOINT. Yes, lack of adequate, equivalent firepower makes a difference between life and death, slave or free.

We also saw how Cecil Rhodes ( yes the Rhodes scholarship is named after him), went into Africa with the MAXIM GUN THAT FIRES 600 ROUNDS PER MINUTE, and this led to the slaughter of thousands of Africans in the Matabele War of Rhodesia (yes named after him for colonizing). Thanks to Cecil Rhodes and the MAXIM GUN, the exploitation of diamonds occurred and Cecil Rhodes formed Debeer’s Diamonds. Rhodesia is now known as Zimbabwe.

We can also see how the gun was used by King Leopold II of Belgium to take control of the Congo, and exploit the land for its ivory, rubber, diamonds, and other precious resources. It is estimated that 10 million African NATIVES were slaughtered during his invasion and reign.

Stay tuned for part 2

Health and Fitness, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Medicine in the Matrix- the future of healthcare: Part 1 (the Red Pill)

March 26, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Medicine in the Matrix- the future of healthcare: Part 1 (the Red Pill)

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

The future of medicine will undergo a revolutionary transformation. I purchased a copy of U.S. News & World Report 2014 January-May edition. I also read a captivating article in the Wall Street Journal: How digital medicine will soon save your life, by Robin Cook and Eric Topol. When I finished reading this article and magazine expose, I said to myself “welcome to the Medicine Matrix”.

First, the goals in future medical practice are centered on everyone having a fully sequenced genome. This means that your full DNA is completely mapped out, and analyzed. This will reveal any and all genetic defects, or variances in certain genes. This will supposedly allow for more precise dosing of drugs, and more specific drug selection. Drug selection is important because some individuals have enzymes in their liver that breakdown drugs faster in some people, but slower in others. This can lead to toxicity or ineffective treatments. Furthermore, some individuals may produce more or less receptors for drugs to bind to, and that affects overall therapy.

Secondly, the main focus of these two pieces of literature is prevention. Prominent researchers, institutions, and biotech companies have collaborated expertise to create an anticipatory and prevention based arsenal of therapies. For instance, if an individual has their genome sequenced, and carries the gene that codes for Cystic Fibrosis, the CFTR gene, a drug designed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals will target that specific mutation and alter it. Some patients that take the drug Abacavir to manage HIV, but maybe predisposed to a fatal drug reaction. Thus, a genetic test would be conducted to see if Abacavir is appropriate for this patient before administration. Lastly, cancer patients can see what drugs will and won’t work based on the gene mutation they may possess. This will allow physicians to tailor and streamline drug regimens.

Let’s talk technology

Everybody’s cellphone will become their medical watchdog. The tech industry and medical community have created apps and programs that will be installed on your smartphone. Individuals will have nanobots dispersed into their bloodstream that will conduct internal surveillance of EVERYTHING inside your body. A nanobot is a small digital device that is 10^-9in size (like a millimeter is 10^-3), this is extremely small. However, these nanobots will detect your body’s: pH, blood count, signs of infection, temperature, glucose levels, drug levels, serum protein, HCG hormone (detect pregnancy), testosterone and estrogen levels, change in blood chemistry before a heart attack, pre-cancerous signals, microorganisms, and more. All of this data will be transmitted to your doctor and your phone.

In addition to the nanobots in your bloodstream, our smartphones will be able to read your ECG and tell your physician if a heart attack is impending. The nanobot-smartphone alliance will also serve as a sentinel to monitor patients that have been recently discharged from the hospital or clinic and cut length of stay, while still allowing physicians to monitor their progress.

The FDA has approved a “smart watch” called, Visi. The watch measures breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and the electrical conductivity of your heart.

Telepresence will be another medical biggie. A motorized physician avatar will be suited with GPS, monitors, microphones, speakers, and sensors. This high tech apparatus will have travel around the hospital from unit to unit, and room to room, but here’s the catch, a real-time screen with the physician is attached. Physicians can check on their patients from a remote location like their home, or while on a trip. A high definition, high resolution camera will allow doctors to zoom in and out for surface exams. The doctor can conduct real-time conversations and interviews with patients and staff. The robot avatars can also consult with other doctor avatars, so you may see 2-5 robots “huddling” as they think about care plans for a patient. The telepresence aspect has also been touted as an advantage for underserved or rural areas that lack adequate physician access.

The abundance and ever burgeoning amount of medical data can be overwhelming to many practitioners. I can vouch for that as a critical care hospital pharmacist. Every other month new drugs are hitting the market, and you must learn these drugs, or at least understand the use, dosing, side effects, and contraindications. This also applies to physicians because they have to prescribe the drugs, understand the diseases and conditions patients have.

Well IBM developed, “Watson”, yes the computer that humans played against in jeopardy. This will be integrated in healthcare systems around the country. Volumes upon volumes of research, textbooks, guidelines, case studies, and etc will be installed in this device to help healthcare practitioners arrive at faster, accurate, and more well informed decisions. Technology experts predict that by 2020, Watson will contain the equivalent of 500 billion four-drawer file cabinets worth of medical information.

Dr. Showme Da Money

Lastly, to finish off this part, I have included direct excerpts from the U.S. News and World Report expose. We must discuss financial and economic aspect of this digitized upgrade. Healthcare is big business. This past January the Federal Communications Commission reported that it has allocated $400 million annually for creating broadband networks to facilitate communication between rural areas and “urban medical hubs”. BCC research has predicted a doubling of the telehealth market from $11.6 billion to $27.3 billion in 2016.

AT&T has invested $1 million in funding to help develop the telehealth market. The NIH estimates the cost of sequencing a person’s genome at approximately $5,700, so multiply that by the number of individuals that are to receive medical care and all the babies to be born! President Obama proposed $100 million for brain research. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York already invested $3 million for their genomic supercomputer. There is much more to discuss but far too lengthy for a blog post.

Stay tuned for part 2 as we go more in depth to this digital medical revolution.

Source

1. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303973704579351080028045594

2. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/hospital-of-tomorrow/articles/2013/11/05/telemedicine-vast-potential-increased-efficiency

3. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/hospital-of-tomorrow/articles/2013/11/05/the-push-to-personalize-medicine