tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74701184406143233692024-03-05T19:06:45.036-08:00The Quest For Human DecencyLenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-66839995220481663322021-11-07T07:28:00.001-08:002021-11-07T07:28:15.900-08:00Andy Griffith Became A Target To Woke Culture... One Sunday Morning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnfORaM83anmjVK7-XaBm4IGCpo-fBVxYRhwvg4h3-PfLudkf4zH67aLKJJ13Woc0NLQWfYSSXIkAVhkJM4pm1CPSwvqv80ns6wFHjc7NJppPyUFDfGJBmMP88pqfSjx5Jg84YjsLVvco/s1250/AG+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1250" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnfORaM83anmjVK7-XaBm4IGCpo-fBVxYRhwvg4h3-PfLudkf4zH67aLKJJ13Woc0NLQWfYSSXIkAVhkJM4pm1CPSwvqv80ns6wFHjc7NJppPyUFDfGJBmMP88pqfSjx5Jg84YjsLVvco/w200-h182/AG+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />A few months ago, one Saturday night, I watched a wonderful Andy Griffith Special I found on YouTube with my children. It was a touching revisit to the set just prior to Andy Griffith's death. I highly recommend it if you have not seen it. The visit included the cast, Andy, and Ron Howard. It brought a tear to my eyes watching it. Andy always reminded me of my father. My father was a gentle giant and hero of mine. He was also a police officer. And, he resembled Andy Griffith both in looks and temperament. <p></p><p>When my children were younger, we watched together the Andy Griffith show. I enjoyed watching the show with them and often times we talked about the episodes. Whether people realized it or not, there was always a moral to most stories on the show that allowed for amazing conversations with my children. I have 4 children. 2 that I adopted two from India and Twin boys in 10th grade. During their developmental years, we all watched the show together. </p><p>The following Sunday morning, I watched Sunday Morning on CBS. They advertised that Ted Koppel was going to take a sentimental journey to the real Mayberry. The preview was so exciting, I woke my boys up to watch it with me. I couldn't believe it. How amazing was it that I could enjoy to sentimental events of a show we all enjoyed during the same weekend? Jane Pauley even teased me with a teaser that included the song. The song that I even included in my father's funeral video. I told the boys, this is going to be epic! I loved the title of the segment, "Mayberry comes to life." I thought to myself, this was going to be pretty special.</p><p>It was special alright. Unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. It started off with Ted Koppel introducing the birthplace of Andy Griffith. He was born in Mount Airy North Carolina. The town is the adopted town that inspired the show. There is a museum curator that joins Ted in a historical conversation. As a former Social Studies teacher, I am liking this start to the segment. Then, Koppel starts his own take within two minutes of the segment and says, "The show captured a reality that never was." I had a sinking feeling that this was going to be more about Ted Koppel's apostatizing wokeness than it was about The Andy Griffith Show. I felt duped. So did my kids. It turned south quickly. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZDXNr3ubQhTVG8RyUURX-8IuyxwfZ9QyYlCNm3GvyJz9uf6V2sN6QTInAaDu-ddw24GqLXujwt_NfTdNz-cldcMja26BA18fegboAPnMDHJ89TlGaQjth7OibxTmfEuwJ_TgJnKfElVA/s1959/AG+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1959" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZDXNr3ubQhTVG8RyUURX-8IuyxwfZ9QyYlCNm3GvyJz9uf6V2sN6QTInAaDu-ddw24GqLXujwt_NfTdNz-cldcMja26BA18fegboAPnMDHJ89TlGaQjth7OibxTmfEuwJ_TgJnKfElVA/s320/AG+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>He walks around Mt. Airy looking for examples of hypocrisy. He first stumbles upon a couple with<br /> their young son. He asks them why they are there. The couple responds, "My son loves Andy Griffith. He watches it sometimes four hours a day." Koppel goes in for the attack. He says, "Arent you worried his brain will turn to mush!' They justify their parenting by saying, "It's a wonderful comedy that teaches morals." We live in a society where kids are raised playing violent tech games. With such precision, they can pick up a gun for the first time and kill their classmates. Yet, Koppel is worried about the harm this show can do to a child. <p></p><p><i>(What this family does not know is Koppel's own child was found in an NYC apartment from a day-long drinking binge. I wonder how fair it is to judge parenting when people are not armed with the facts of the possibility of Koppel's own possible parenting failures. Koppel lived a life of a journalist. He most likely did not play a major role in his children's upbringing due to her responsibilities to his career. Yet he attacks a family that watches a wholesome show together and brings their child to Mayberry.) </i></p><p>Koppel continues to meet the local folks. His goal is to challenge the historical context of the show. This is leading up to his context and bias towards the south, more than a historical discussion. The good people of Mt. Airy quickly pick up on his attempts to portray the show as naive. He quickly brings in Race and the Vietnam War as counterintuitive examples to the show's wholesomeness. What bothers me most is he tries to manipulate us with examples of history from the South implying social injustices were ignored by the show. Here is where the seeds of division are planted. This is now a hit piece on southern culture by implying hate was unique to the south and the show ignored it. I am pretty confident the entire country was guilty of hate. Racism whether hidden or in front of us is not different. Koppel wanted to blame the ignorant southerners and they quickly picked up on his bias. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FM0AQMeDCHPmltQ0eLYzhyphenhyphensKci2N_d8I-fLKOKOGiWhb5mv6DY2gQsJBqogN5f6i1FeZvBkCkYQy5TRJTxVjwEXfjvx_P2vAPkRJ1gvrq-hJwk2lS9lUe2NjlxabeZM9NQL_TbThKYJE/s1844/AG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1844" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FM0AQMeDCHPmltQ0eLYzhyphenhyphensKci2N_d8I-fLKOKOGiWhb5mv6DY2gQsJBqogN5f6i1FeZvBkCkYQy5TRJTxVjwEXfjvx_P2vAPkRJ1gvrq-hJwk2lS9lUe2NjlxabeZM9NQL_TbThKYJE/s320/AG.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>He points out, that the show was void of African-Americans. He never mentions that this criticism was first brought to our attention by African-Americans back in the '60s and '70s regarding all television shows. The same evolution he implies was unique to The Andy Griffith Show was actually the norm. In fact, Rod Serling from the Twilight Zone had the same problem. He had to use white actors to discuss social injustices for each episode. <p></p><p>Koppel goes on to interview three African-Americans who moved back to Mount Airy. He asks them to describe life back in 1973. They share a story of a diner in which they could purchase a meal, yet they were not welcome. This is Koppel's "Gotcha Moment." As someone who grew up in the North as a child during 1973 in the liberal state of New York, I can tell you this was the norm. African-American experiences like this were not unique to the south. It happened throughout our country. Segregation as described was an unspoken rule. Being treated as a lesser existed throughout our culture. Koppel continues the conversation the fantasy is unique to Mt. Airy. And then comes the final twist.</p><p>Koppel wants to explore the ignorance of the south by turning the conversation to Trump, Biden, and the election. Now, remember, the title of this segment is "Mayberry Comes To Life." Koppel clearly manipulated the audience into thinking this was a nostalgic look back at the show. Jane Pauley teased us with a picture of Andy Griffith with a show tune. Clearly, this was not what happening. The goal of this vignette was to portray the south in a manner that was fitting to liberal narrative. And this last part of the segment really went south. </p><p>Koppel decides to ask the museum curator, "Don't you have people that believe that the election was won by Trump?" Implying this was unique to Mt. Airy. The demographics for this narrative are not unique to the south. I live in a poor rural area in Upstate New York. We probably have more signs per capita for Trump than Mt. Airy North Carolina. And they are doozies. F-Bomb Joe Biden can is seen all over our area. Yet Koppel thinks he is on to something. Mayberry is still a fraud. Can you believe it?</p><p>Koppel takes a trolley and speaks to the local folks. He engages the crowd about the election. (Where's Andy?) The crowd obliges and said they think the election was rigged. They also doubted the insurrection. It was a well-staged event to prove Koppel's narrative that the south is racist and ignorant. Similar to the North, he could have traveled to a local university or large municipality and found differing opinions. He knows that, but he intended to prove his point.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG7YJk9nrL-UHYG5mF3azKE9TGL4AW-mAX3nSh24q3q8KaoyIDkiFtuCBVAjqG4LE6g-S90yzJaHqLF0Eo9PNyTh7DhYzRyxG8CghJTCIWqhDQQuK3LLu8bxQOJFswdDbhzXgr3uDw4Hh/s1978/AG+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1978" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG7YJk9nrL-UHYG5mF3azKE9TGL4AW-mAX3nSh24q3q8KaoyIDkiFtuCBVAjqG4LE6g-S90yzJaHqLF0Eo9PNyTh7DhYzRyxG8CghJTCIWqhDQQuK3LLu8bxQOJFswdDbhzXgr3uDw4Hh/w320-h186/AG+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The most powerful part of this segment was a woman on the Trolley really brought out what Koppel was truly trying to do. She said, "I hope it is not your intent to air this show and imply southerners are a bunch of dumb idiots." That's exactly what this segment was about. I was surprised that was not cut out of the segment. The producers, by leaving this in really gave me a talking point with my own children. That was exactly was the purpose of this broadcast. </p><p>The bottom line is parents need to talk to their kids (Young and Old) about the dangers of media bias. Journalists are supposed to be neutral. Clearly, Koppel had strong opinions about the south. He had no intention of discussing anything remotely about the show itself. He wanted to provide his take and whether he realizes it or not, go against the main theme of The Andy Griffith show itself, If we promote a sense of decency and morals as part of any storyline, people will find value in it. Context matters. The show was produced during a time of injustice. However, it tried to provide themes that give us the tools to help us overcome injustice. That's why the show was special. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZme-GsKv_g" width="320" youtube-src-id="iZme-GsKv_g"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-12844354333821783512018-02-18T08:38:00.002-08:002018-02-18T09:13:13.120-08:00What America Can Learn From Black Panther <div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxyhegXn56A7yX5liVWlWHDdQ5J9My-AGW3ZlX957DewcEIfcZesiG6OzNd9d-amty4iZRB2TmFhfBJCYkZi1B8EwHgy2wZWKG0oTjgCLhqeLCh8v-XFvY8hMLBbtsG0RM1wzfulYYpPK/s1600/728411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxyhegXn56A7yX5liVWlWHDdQ5J9My-AGW3ZlX957DewcEIfcZesiG6OzNd9d-amty4iZRB2TmFhfBJCYkZi1B8EwHgy2wZWKG0oTjgCLhqeLCh8v-XFvY8hMLBbtsG0RM1wzfulYYpPK/s320/728411.jpg" width="210" /></a>A lot has been made about the new Black Panther movie. Originally, for me, the excitement of the Marvel franchise was my motivation to watch the movie. Marvel comics have been a part of my life for the last 40 years. The Marvel Universe has been a joy to read since I was a child, and to witness the transformation in cinema has been an amazing experience. </div>
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Some of the hype for Black Panther is different from past offerings from Marvel. Black Panther reflects African-American heritage. The story line is unique. The audience is taken to a world of wonder in Africa, that no one knew about. We meet the Wakandans... an advanced civilization. However, the creative twist is that the Wakanda kingdom ignored the plight of the rest of the world, which provides an interesting take on oppression. </div>
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This is why I enjoy reading Marvel Comics. Marvel, unlike their DC counterpart has always intertwined social issues into their story line. Each superhero has a flaw that represents the world we live in. Black Panther provides an alternative reality that allows the reader, and viewer to think about oppression. The movie Black Panther was well written, and delved into relevant issues that impact all Americans. </div>
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Even with all of the talking points about the story, there was a subtle story line that deserves to be a part of the conversation merely by attending the movie Black Panther. The talking point is segregation. The movie, depending on where you live demonstrates that we as a society have strong elements of segregation. </div>
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I live in community of us and them. Minorities see the world through the eyes of an Anglo-American bias. Attending the movie Black Panther truly brought this to light. What struck me about going to see Black Panther was the amount of African-Americans that I saw at the movies. It was the most diverse representation of an audience I have seen in our city. It lead me to ask, why is that? The answer, Hollywood movies for the most part, speak to white America. More importantly, local cinema offerings do not bring us together. What struck me is that most people in the theater did not notice the subtle change in audience. Black Panther is a lesson is the importance of cultural diversity in all that we do as a society. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_fA5e0TqTHheWI3kMORpIlfaVhb6kdqxknVdHa9d16ptFi9vV3djgVEtxekGZCGVG6JWnERli5efKbVLQHfO56ZL_4VaaLO0owjDvxxfwB0_HBwkVVlYc74wdZtD3KstrQpmMMzf0OJs/s1600/27906607_1977000012560214_777914239_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1012" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_fA5e0TqTHheWI3kMORpIlfaVhb6kdqxknVdHa9d16ptFi9vV3djgVEtxekGZCGVG6JWnERli5efKbVLQHfO56ZL_4VaaLO0owjDvxxfwB0_HBwkVVlYc74wdZtD3KstrQpmMMzf0OJs/s320/27906607_1977000012560214_777914239_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>The diversity of our society is truly not represented in our mainstream cinema. It is important for whites to imagine what the world must seem like for people of color. When whites see the world with a critical lens, our society can connect indifference to intolerance. This leads to further questions. When people of color are not represented in positions of power, how does that shape your reality? It transcends gender and color. When children, see a white world, they see reality that does not speak to their own. Segregation starts in our schools, and expands as adults with opportunities for financial success. Power structures are consistent with our childhood upbringing, and then we begin to mistrust what is seen as reality. This is what we can learn about Black Panther. If we could represent our world equitably in cinema, and power structures, we begin to see the world in an inclusive manner. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-77521032761233004752017-09-03T18:27:00.002-07:002017-09-04T05:18:52.197-07:00The Inequities Of Back To SchoolFor the past several years, I have witnessed an increasingly inequitable school supply list define a child in school based on class. As an educational professional, and as a parent I am concerned how the school supply list defines a child's sense of self. Increasingly, children are growing up in a caste system defined by the corporate nature adopted by our educational system. Unfortunately, the divide between have's and have not's can be defined by a child's level of preparedness in our schools and their ability to provide their own supplies for learning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHUVzvD7XTvmxRQYX-J6yKCyvV4OWVl6IXYym388za4KDASJy_LU42JWOuTPZGSuPBKaXfPdOwio8ZJDs9R9fjGf61KqMjzBaCfYDvv08EYFumM_Yt8n6pUNO6iH-OcX_SkoMHiN1GKta/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHUVzvD7XTvmxRQYX-J6yKCyvV4OWVl6IXYym388za4KDASJy_LU42JWOuTPZGSuPBKaXfPdOwio8ZJDs9R9fjGf61KqMjzBaCfYDvv08EYFumM_Yt8n6pUNO6iH-OcX_SkoMHiN1GKta/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>This year, the supplies for my children have sky rocketed past the 200.00 level. The lists are extensive. In middle school, each teacher has a list and it is very specific. As I shop for supplies every year, I wonder how a child in poverty, or a child going through unfortunate circumstances can afford the lists that haunt so many families. School supplies will define a child on the first day of school. It is literally the first impression their classmates and teacher will have to define who a child is economically.<br />
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A child's ability to provide for supplies is more important than some realize. Kids and adults notice the differences. Many communities try to compensate the divide through giveaways. Giveaways unfortunately have a habit of defining the child's social status. For example, kids know the difference between the expensive backpacks that are reserved for the upper class children versus the giveaway backpack. Brand names for supplies will also define who a child is when they start school. There is a big difference between name brand supplies versus the inferior products children will get in their backpack giveaways.<br />
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Technology is another barrier. Calculators for example define status. Kids will come to school with one that their parents purchased, or they will have to sign one out from their school. There is a big difference when a child loses one from their parents, versus the countless reminders their teacher will give them about taking care of the school's calculator. This defines class, as surely as a free and reduced lunch provides a sense of self in school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe3mg1XE5C4Al4q3HHJ3Q9fv3NJyUI4xae1NswC0fYyi6kfxC_6OG9yQALFO-viM7s6i8vyPAxxtVh897RGkudeIDoh5EwEVtIHSzrmplHaEmPZIzTxH23O1p3qRCY5aSwopBhcX_UyVr/s1600/school-supply-lists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe3mg1XE5C4Al4q3HHJ3Q9fv3NJyUI4xae1NswC0fYyi6kfxC_6OG9yQALFO-viM7s6i8vyPAxxtVh897RGkudeIDoh5EwEVtIHSzrmplHaEmPZIzTxH23O1p3qRCY5aSwopBhcX_UyVr/s200/school-supply-lists.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Some children will come to school unprepared as they missed the backpack giveaway. All year, a few will hear the chatter of frustrations from teachers and classmates. The phrase "Can I borrow" becomes a lightning rod of frustration. "Why can't you just come to class prepared" is their new mantra that greets many kids that are unprepared.<br />
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The United States Public Education system has become by definition, a symbol of class warfare. The kids with expensive I Phones and Nike Shoes sit along side their classmates with minimal means. The school supplies add to the frustrations of kids who lack the proper resources due to poverty. Kids will learn about an unjust world in which some children struggle for basic clothing and supplies. The disparities serve as a daily reminder of their status in the world they live in.<br />
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The caste system that exists in schools has long term detrimental effects on children in poverty. Some children coming to school with minimal supplies. They will be grouped with their peers of "unprepared to learn" learners. This reduces their access to educational opportunities due to their status, versus their ability to learn. Research has shown that the disparities due to poverty are barriers to access to educational opportunities.<br />
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Equitable funding is the only solution and it seems we are nowhere close to considering an approach that provides school supplies for children anytime soon. It is a simple solution, however our current political landscape will not allow for such thinking. In the meantime, our country will continue to remind kids that the caste they are born into, will be increasingly difficult to leave without an equitable system of education funding and opportunities.<br />
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(SAMPLE SUPPLY LIST -)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJlMs5Cq0-iRGJaz2VFdhe-55PH033zIWKfgjxZ4aZyFgclBsXLyaJRBz4KvCdjd83mhEbBa8tgYEPWL_6ty23IlclqX47XqPuu35zNW3iOcv5Yr2WZzj_iCPzVL4c_M6NJqL2CED_vu4/s1600/Supply+list+3-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1417" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJlMs5Cq0-iRGJaz2VFdhe-55PH033zIWKfgjxZ4aZyFgclBsXLyaJRBz4KvCdjd83mhEbBa8tgYEPWL_6ty23IlclqX47XqPuu35zNW3iOcv5Yr2WZzj_iCPzVL4c_M6NJqL2CED_vu4/s640/Supply+list+3-5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-61099826401484242902017-07-23T07:10:00.003-07:002017-07-23T07:10:48.137-07:00The NY 22 and Goodfelllas - You Serious? We are a long way away from the NY 22nd Congressional vote, however the first glimpse of Tenney's strategy was an ugly one. So far, the strategy of her campaign is simple. She wants to try to use the national strategy of Donald Trump to divide the NY 22 based on demographics that she feels play into her hands. Otherwise known as, "the Trump Effect."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAaLquD3jXPcJBvG0tVVbLZ8RXcOF4ZBBxvuZ-ObtNeKf8sg242EHrjGj5EHBORxHgcxkbkW4RmEutSFz7GPcTK38l3YbN8DAqL6f0b8JbEYEp1kn3pllvqNwX8CXf-9sNZxEZ30ZERhf/s1600/37906157001_5507994108001_5507980024001-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="539" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAaLquD3jXPcJBvG0tVVbLZ8RXcOF4ZBBxvuZ-ObtNeKf8sg242EHrjGj5EHBORxHgcxkbkW4RmEutSFz7GPcTK38l3YbN8DAqL6f0b8JbEYEp1kn3pllvqNwX8CXf-9sNZxEZ30ZERhf/s320/37906157001_5507994108001_5507980024001-vs.jpg" width="320" /></a>The problem with the Trump effect is that it divides the electorate by hate. This will not play well in our district due to the Democrats choosing a viable candidate early that represents a wider representation of values. When Anthony Brindisi announced he was running, it was clear from her response how she would run her campaign. Label him as a Progressive, align him with Pelosi and Cuomo and then attack him for being a liberal. Nothing of substance, just try to use fear to divide the NY 22nd.<br />
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Tenney has a problem however. Her candidate has a stellar voting record. He can be a centrist, and a fiscal conservative. He also has a high rating from the NRA. He comes from the Mohawk Valley which is witnessing a resurgence economically, and he is popular among many politicians that are centrist republicans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtNjtdboX-sLs00-wbt41bwa8d8Owig3KXqJotFFC5DNpvo825CS-zSQTIOpgHbIZbeHzIKB7Q3WpQa1mADPUtTvLDfp_tPjf7CtZ-c31Pwdfff8fikaF7No6TYevBkLsrgsytyqJOSWV/s1600/DE_OAFIXkAIh1jn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtNjtdboX-sLs00-wbt41bwa8d8Owig3KXqJotFFC5DNpvo825CS-zSQTIOpgHbIZbeHzIKB7Q3WpQa1mADPUtTvLDfp_tPjf7CtZ-c31Pwdfff8fikaF7No6TYevBkLsrgsytyqJOSWV/s200/DE_OAFIXkAIh1jn.jpg" width="200" /></a>Tenney decided to play the ethnicity card to try to discredit Brindisi. Why she did this so early in the campaign makes no sense at all. This kind of logic is something we usually see right before the election to tilt the vote toward the candidate that wants to win using scare tactics. She has shown her hand, which gives Brindisi an advantage. Her mistake gives his campaign insight into her strategy. It also gives the public and secret groups information to combat Tenney's strategy.<br />
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One has to wonder how Republican leaders from Italian American roots must feel seeing the race card being played against their heritage. No matter what your party status is, a stereotype like the one Tenney tried to use against Brindisi must bother them, as it is a part of their ancestry. They also have to answer to their Italian American voters.<br />
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Anyone supporting Brindisi needs to watch Tenney for mistakes like this one, and education an uninformed electorate they have a choice between a message of hate versus and message of moving the NY 22 forward in a positive direction.Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-67178955959151857682017-07-03T14:02:00.003-07:002017-07-03T14:02:51.553-07:00The 22 Is Our Seneca Falls Convention - Part 1 Turning PointThis next election for Congress is without a doubt the most important decision Upstate New York has faced in a very long time. It is a potential <b><u>Turning Point</u></b> in history. We will be asked to reverse the poor decisions of Donald Trump as president, along with the legislation that the Republican majority is trying to pass in the House and Senate. All eyes will be on us during this critical time in American History to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the dismantling of Civil Rights that many Americans fought so hard to gain for those most in need. Disavowing the policies of Claudia Tenney, minion of Trump's agenda will send a clear message that Upstate New York rejects the current policies of divisiveness and exclusion of certain groups from basic Civil Rights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlyb1RouSW7mguaOBHzLlhynGDe1WPu8VbXkvcp3r3jZBWdLS9S24PEN-1Kz9MMMT_ZNeNv62SUVbjIycxIoQiFCR8GpdRwUqAYB6uGbGDWP3P6YZPOrwWy58iCEmgVb6g9vF1wo6Ishyphenhyphen/s1600/elt200902190656064313040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="629" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlyb1RouSW7mguaOBHzLlhynGDe1WPu8VbXkvcp3r3jZBWdLS9S24PEN-1Kz9MMMT_ZNeNv62SUVbjIycxIoQiFCR8GpdRwUqAYB6uGbGDWP3P6YZPOrwWy58iCEmgVb6g9vF1wo6Ishyphenhyphen/s320/elt200902190656064313040.jpg" width="320" /></a>New York State had another similar time in history when a <b><u>Turning Point</u></b> was needed. In 1848, delegates met to chart a course of change for Women's Rights. The task has been put upon us once again to reverse the disturbing trends set forth by this administration and Claudia Tenney towards women and other target groups such as LGBTQ, immigrants, and refugees.<br />
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Civil Rights has been an evolutionary tale in our nation's history. While never fast enough for those who were disenfranchised, our nation has steadily moved toward a nation of tolerance and inclusion. This current administration along with the Republicans in the House and Senate have tried to reverse the gains from our past. In fact, they have proposed legislation to weaken those who need help the most. From the 22 million that risk losing insurance, to the reproductive rights of women, and finally the rights of LGBTQ communities, this President is moving quickly to weaken the civil rights of individuals most neediest in our nation.<br />
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The carnage does not stop there. This legislative majority and the President have weakened environmental laws and caused the United States to isolate itself from the rest of the world. Our partners in peace internationally were once solid in defense of a common cause, have decided to go it alone without the United States. It is a dangerous path and we have a responsibility to say "No, enough is enough."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8aj088MXIMy2Hpc6en18stCxUAwc6z_4tHXb4E8cdSg9aIlyXF1jMKm7l0xekPO7OQr3tQzi7LpAmgmi_7HokSlbNn3z3rPw73dOETjyWzaenrrkwWrsj7rYcdBjo7EZFu_Xo3EWQvXW/s1600/119_hdrhs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8aj088MXIMy2Hpc6en18stCxUAwc6z_4tHXb4E8cdSg9aIlyXF1jMKm7l0xekPO7OQr3tQzi7LpAmgmi_7HokSlbNn3z3rPw73dOETjyWzaenrrkwWrsj7rYcdBjo7EZFu_Xo3EWQvXW/s1600/119_hdrhs.png" /></a>Electing Anthony Brindisi to the 22nd seat of Congress sends a clear message. That message is that Upstate New York will not tolerate the current trends of legislation that creates inequalities for many while funneling more funds and power to the rich. We are a nation of shared values that include a message of equality and hope for all. Anthony Brindisi is the shining light that can turn the course of history. This election, the nation has called upon Upstate New York once again, to send a clear message that intolerance and hate are unacceptable. If we keep our message concise and clear, we will rise about the c<br />
urrent situation of fear and intolerance that is present in our legislative district and the nation.<br />
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<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-61857117812163096242017-04-26T17:44:00.002-07:002017-04-26T17:44:35.086-07:00When Was America Great? (For All Americans)"Make America Great Again!" A very clever and dangerous campaign tactic from the far right. The phrase was most likely inspired by lessons learned from extreme right wing websites that post misnomers like this phrase all the time. Conservative websites have posted similar catch phrases about American culture that have been generally accepted by many including the infamous "All Lives Matter." A response to Black Lives Matter that again implied what is not true, that All Lives Matter, unless you are gay, lesbian, and transgendered. The same people who said All Lives Matter want to restrict their rights. <br />
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Why is Make American Great Again a mistruth that people generally accepted as the truth? Simply, it implies America was once great for all Americans. Ask yourself, when was this time in American History that America was great for everyone? The correct answer is never. American has always struggled with inequalities for many groups. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMONmdoImiH3Uv7BddBsb1Dru74XyjO_PdgbQ3tpzsxcDq4BqHvD90RBUCo74QdkpGd7gYu9nNgLoglF9bH15UBdoNWhjVfSwqIulRtl_h1imh0QQpYimtDaNdvzUmbj2RuwJk_T-KXcMF/s1600/635969383655651257-36690881_Make-America-Great-Again-Logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMONmdoImiH3Uv7BddBsb1Dru74XyjO_PdgbQ3tpzsxcDq4BqHvD90RBUCo74QdkpGd7gYu9nNgLoglF9bH15UBdoNWhjVfSwqIulRtl_h1imh0QQpYimtDaNdvzUmbj2RuwJk_T-KXcMF/s320/635969383655651257-36690881_Make-America-Great-Again-Logo1.png" width="320" /></a>Its a common misconception. Ask a friend or relative, when was America Great? The answers will always be yes and reflect a time period that is special to them. For example, some may answer World War II, the "Greatest Generation Ever." Sure we won the war, and we did stop the spread of fascism. However was America great for all Americans during this time? World War II was not so great for African Americans living in a segregated south fighting for Democracy. Nor was it great for Japanese Americans placed in internment camps on the west coast. <br />
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Some might suggest the Civil Rights Movement was another great time in <br />
American History. Was it? Political assignations, Women's Rights and Pay Equality were examples of inequalities during this time period. (And Now) The South during this time experienced lynching's and church bombings. For many, this time was a terrifying time in American History. <br />
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The truth is America was never great for all Americans at any time in American History. It is ironic that since the phrase won the election for Trump, what have we witnessed legislation that is far from great. So far, we have seen executive orders or proposals to have more people go uninsured, the reversal of clean air and water legislation, and the complete cutting of the arts funding. Will this make America Great Again? <br />
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Make America Great Again demonstrates how naïve and foolish Americans are when it comes to our own plight. How can 62 million Americans believe in their mind that America was once great for all Americans without realizing such a time never existed? The truth is we have to help 62 million Americans understand they were duped by a very deliberate strategy from the far right. It is foolish to think we can convince all of them, however we have to reduce the number of Americans that fell prey to the manipulation by the far right. All the far right did was to tap into their patriotic feelings due to uncertainty in their minds that things are far from great. We can help American achieve greatness, but helping it understand that for some, America is not so great. Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-90109630087790787152017-03-16T17:55:00.001-07:002017-03-16T17:55:27.364-07:00Does Rachel Maddow Really Care About Transparency? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2phszyD8R6hflQJRb5G7p2R9FYSO-Bra6FFm0ZWoLQfhH73GUZoSaIaTGSruDg_kd0IJY9l2-77-6pe9E_vccrDs66Ws_T5jPSfkt9OI7ROYfycFXQWYy2MttyMc1OQ2y3vOC3c3NKMkW/s1600/C6mZzbdVAAAhELx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2phszyD8R6hflQJRb5G7p2R9FYSO-Bra6FFm0ZWoLQfhH73GUZoSaIaTGSruDg_kd0IJY9l2-77-6pe9E_vccrDs66Ws_T5jPSfkt9OI7ROYfycFXQWYy2MttyMc1OQ2y3vOC3c3NKMkW/s320/C6mZzbdVAAAhELx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2phszyD8R6hflQJRb5G7p2R9FYSO-Bra6FFm0ZWoLQfhH73GUZoSaIaTGSruDg_kd0IJY9l2-77-6pe9E_vccrDs66Ws_T5jPSfkt9OI7ROYfycFXQWYy2MttyMc1OQ2y3vOC3c3NKMkW/s1600/C6mZzbdVAAAhELx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This past week, Rachel Maddow's went after Donald Trump by focusing on leaked information regarding his 2005 tax return. Some may see her as a champion of progressive values and transparency, however I found the report to be hypocritical on many fronts. <br />
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<li>Trump paid more in taxes than I would have imagined. In fact, there was no smoking gun. He produced thousands of jobs while paying a fair amount to the Federal Government in taxes. Yet, the reporting seemed to indicate a smoking gun. Trump made $150 million in 2005 and that he paid $38 million in taxes, which equaled about 25 percent of his income. In fact, Trump paid more in Federal taxes than previous Presidents. </li>
<li>Maddow risked counter arguments that poor people do not pay their fair share in taxes. Many people who perform a minimal amount of work and have children receive huge tax returns in lieu of not contributing their fair share of taxes. Her reporting actually validated stereotypes of the working poor. </li>
<li>Rachel Maddow works along side Al Sharpton who for years has owed millions in taxes to the Federal Government. She has never called her colleague to task for not paying his fair share of taxes. Why did Sharpton get a pass for not paying his taxes?</li>
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Maddow's reporting is symbolic of partisan politics. Transparency is important on both sides of the aisle. If Maddow wants to be credible, she needs to have the same standards for reporting whether you are a democrat or republican. Until then, she is exactly like her counterparts at Fox News. </div>
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Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-48557231218316867452017-02-25T07:43:00.002-08:002017-02-25T07:43:53.821-08:00Did James Franco and Seth Rogen Provide The Motivation For The Death Of Kim Jung-Nam? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ij-YUSlOVeReq4IGB4upo4zfz-_5BkWX0uwmMjX7_gMKqZ36X5B2lHQ85K-RzWsrkfflVNZqvephM9PHhTshVZxqgi8iHhySvZnGN2Y3RMpCQtWBrbXo_YQaeGbBV3knv4j-0A0loLi/s1600/ga-ga-intv-mission-640x283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ij-YUSlOVeReq4IGB4upo4zfz-_5BkWX0uwmMjX7_gMKqZ36X5B2lHQ85K-RzWsrkfflVNZqvephM9PHhTshVZxqgi8iHhySvZnGN2Y3RMpCQtWBrbXo_YQaeGbBV3knv4j-0A0loLi/s320/ga-ga-intv-mission-640x283.jpg" width="320" /></a>While reading about Kim Jung-nam's death, I kept thinking to myself, this story line sounds familiar. It reminded me of the movie, The Interview starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. In case you did not follow the death of Kim Jung Nam, here is a recap of a what we know so far:<br />
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Two female assassins were sent to Malaysia to rub a nerve agent on Kim Jung Un's Brother. It went undetected. Kim died on the way to the hospital minutes after the attack with the nerve agent, which is tasteless, odorless, and kills by causing muscle spasms that ultimately prevent a victim from breathing.<br />
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The assassination is reminiscent of the movie the Interview. The James Franco-Seth Rogen film had as the major plot line an attempted assassination of Kim Jung Un by a nerve agent with similar abilities. Did Kim Jung Un attempt to send a message to Hollywood that the movie provide some inspiration for life imitating art? Was this his way of sending a message that he did not find the movie funny? The movie when released included many threats of revenge from the North Korean dictator. <br />
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This might sound a bit conspiratorial, however most political assassinations in North Korea are completed by line of fire. This was an unusual murder even by North Korean standards. It is plausible that this assassination had extended implications. This may have been an attempt by Kim Jung Un to let Hollywood, and the United States know that weapons of mass destruction can come in tiny packages, not just nuclear warheads. Some may think it was a coincidence, however the similarities to the movie are odd, and the message was clear. Be careful what you put out there Hollywood. Kim Jung Un is watching. Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-54063164717252613282017-02-05T09:30:00.004-08:002017-02-05T09:31:29.803-08:00The Irony Of Italian-Americans Who Fear RefugeesI am of Italian-American ancestry. I am proud of my heritage. I love the amazing stories from my father and mother regarding the adversity they faced as children regarding their immigrant roots. This was a cherished part of my life. I am the beneficiary of their struggles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEvwj_-IWV8etePpjzbRIFn4hSW5uBHsS4cJgK-A1upSe3UhjbtbaRKJ9wUHKdvtXULGDDXkJiBvPQrzox9jnsogdy8SjrC9EETlVcNpog_uuOLlbd63DgSMe-YmPQ-OJJNuL9ytS0vRc/s1600/refugees-welcome-ctsy-open-clip-art-publicdomain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEvwj_-IWV8etePpjzbRIFn4hSW5uBHsS4cJgK-A1upSe3UhjbtbaRKJ9wUHKdvtXULGDDXkJiBvPQrzox9jnsogdy8SjrC9EETlVcNpog_uuOLlbd63DgSMe-YmPQ-OJJNuL9ytS0vRc/s1600/refugees-welcome-ctsy-open-clip-art-publicdomain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEvwj_-IWV8etePpjzbRIFn4hSW5uBHsS4cJgK-A1upSe3UhjbtbaRKJ9wUHKdvtXULGDDXkJiBvPQrzox9jnsogdy8SjrC9EETlVcNpog_uuOLlbd63DgSMe-YmPQ-OJJNuL9ytS0vRc/s1600/refugees-welcome-ctsy-open-clip-art-publicdomain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEvwj_-IWV8etePpjzbRIFn4hSW5uBHsS4cJgK-A1upSe3UhjbtbaRKJ9wUHKdvtXULGDDXkJiBvPQrzox9jnsogdy8SjrC9EETlVcNpog_uuOLlbd63DgSMe-YmPQ-OJJNuL9ytS0vRc/s320/refugees-welcome-ctsy-open-clip-art-publicdomain.png" width="320" /></a>I grew up realizing that immigration changed the course of our lives. For my mom's side of the family, it literally was life saving. Our great Uncle was a judge in Sicily. My grandmother, who was 5 years old at the time was the survivor of a massacre at my great Uncle's wedding. She would come to America due to fear of the Sicilian mafia seeking revenge for a ruling my Uncle made against the mafia. This was not unusual at the turn of he 20th century. Many who immigrated from Italy wanted asylum to escape the mafia, fascism, and extreme poverty. <br />
Knowing this, I would think that descendants of Italian-American immigrants would be welcoming of refuges. Right? Unfortunately, for descendants of such tyranny, this is not the case. In fact, the disturbing pattern emerges that is quite the opposite. Many Italian-Americans where quite xenophobic. Ironically, they are among the least welcoming people of refugees that I know. I would find myself asking, how could this happen? <br />
Many I have questioned have been directly impacted by the media. My father, prior to his passing was a huge fan of Bill O'Reilly . I would ask him, "Dad, how could you share countless emails about banning immigrants with family and friends, when you yourself benefitted from immigration?" He would struggle to answer the question. Often times referring to quotes from Fox News as a resource. I learned that the power of the media on seniors is quite strong, often influence a strong reaction to anti-immigration rhetoric. <br />
Before my father's passing he would listen, and eventually agree that there is no difference. In fact, today's refugees are far more peaceful than immigrants in the past. It took us awhile to come to terms with the facts versus the myths. <br />
Another problem today that exists is that Italian-Immigrants often criticize today's refuges as violent Ironically, Italian-American immigrants were a murderous bunch. They were much more dangerous than today's refuges. They infiltrated law enforcement and supported gambling, bootlegging and the sale of drugs in the name of profit. They were so dangerous, our country had to enact RICO legislation to help overcome the violence and influence of the Italian mafia. In order for our country to right the wrongs of corruption, we had to knock out the influence of the Italian mafia. This is a fact that is well documented. <br />
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What makes the history of Italian-American ancestry so complicated is that Hollywood made Italian-American mafia families out to be grandeur, albeit violent. This made it okay in some ways to be in the mafia. However, thanks to Hollywood and today's media, this lack of historical perception has negative impacted how we perceive today's refuges. <br />
Nothing can be farther from the truth regarding how safe today's procedures are when it comes to entering our country. Today's refugees are vetted and less likely to be anywhere near as violent as Italian-American immigrants. Yet, the myth is that today's refuges are a danger to our existence. Today's refuges are more likely to be like my father's side of the family that came over from Italy. They are seeking asylum from poverty and extreme circumstances. We can not fully understand without actually learning from the refuges why they are here. Their story is one of survival from similar horrific experiences that my grandmother experienced as a child. In some cases even worse.<br />
Many descendants of Italian-American immigrants oddly share the same values. <br />
Today's descendants fear what they do not know. For this reason, I am sharing my story, to help people understand how fear works. It causes us to accept a reality about refuges that simply is not true. It is up to this generation to change those fears into hope. It will be difficult during the next four years, however many are up to the task. We need to tear down the walls of mistrust, and help everyone realize what unites us with today's refuges. The bond that ties us together is our hope for humanity, not mistrust and misinformation. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb7BfVAAFRnDTvrKckXxFpPJ33MYvmCdzd_Z5q8v3jl_4slEbPxxyc9VK-R9GDaj_Or9ldrydKK8VRzaitLp4ibmnafoR975a_JoHjrnFBiUAzMoaJblbGWV82hZIUtgLMfFphTb8T_uw/s1600/16114693_781180955850_7689555504403180426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-45439455223713866622017-02-04T09:13:00.001-08:002017-02-04T09:13:17.092-08:00Why You Should Attend The Refugee Solidarity Rally In Utica NY <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlRtzGSo6BR_mNVKMA0qfMfOf9SRrTTN3JyTa7UbQHEVhrO427yvJ6Srrp4cGw7D3IoMjtvgKTO5yhIYJNls26SQjQBw8c6P5sHPpNg0VgpldGQgFUR_tLmFtxAYkod0yjF2vQZYhsjIA/s1600/16298961_10210198057659764_3585307087523200064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlRtzGSo6BR_mNVKMA0qfMfOf9SRrTTN3JyTa7UbQHEVhrO427yvJ6Srrp4cGw7D3IoMjtvgKTO5yhIYJNls26SQjQBw8c6P5sHPpNg0VgpldGQgFUR_tLmFtxAYkod0yjF2vQZYhsjIA/s320/16298961_10210198057659764_3585307087523200064_n.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlRtzGSo6BR_mNVKMA0qfMfOf9SRrTTN3JyTa7UbQHEVhrO427yvJ6Srrp4cGw7D3IoMjtvgKTO5yhIYJNls26SQjQBw8c6P5sHPpNg0VgpldGQgFUR_tLmFtxAYkod0yjF2vQZYhsjIA/s1600/16298961_10210198057659764_3585307087523200064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Next Friday, the city of Utica will host a Refugee Solidarity Rally in Oneida Square. The community has created the event to rally support for our local refugees. Refugees have come to the Mohawk Valley and assimilated into our communities with great success. They are an integral part of our community. <i><b>The rally is in response to the 120 day ban executed by our current President. The ban has created fear and anxiety for refugees in our area, and the rest of the United States.</b></i><br />
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By attending the event, you help tear down the walls of intolerance. Too many people in the Mohawk Valley believe what they see on TV versus what we see in our communities regarding refugees coming to our country. Utica is a shining example of how refugees have assimilated into our society. They helped Utica rebound from years of population loss. They bought the absentee owner homes and returned them to single family ownership. They work hard, own business, and have helped revitalize Utica. Yet if you speak to some people in our community, they believe somehow refugees are a threat to our country. <br />
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Rallies like this can help reduce suspicions of refugees based on media bias. National newspapers and magazines have documented the Utica miracle. A rust belt city that has come alive with diversity and renewal. We need to share their story with our families, especially those who doubt that refugees should be allowed to enter our country. Education is the key to ending intolerance towards refugees.<br />
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Too many people forget that our ancestors were refugees facing similar plights. They went through similar examples of intolerance. Yet, they overcame huge obstacles and provided us with opportunities thanks to political asylum granted by our government. It was the previous generation that fought intolerance, and helped many in need become the leaders we have today in the Mohawk Valley. The same is true today. By supporting refugees, we support the future of the Mohawk Valley. It is now our turn to rally for refugees currently struggling with intolerance from our government. <br />
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The rally will be from 4-7pm in Oneida Square in Utica NY. If you would like more information, here is the link to the Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/173971763089184/">https://www.facebook.com/events/173971763089184/</a>4/Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-15371465295903832652017-01-25T14:57:00.001-08:002017-01-25T14:57:30.393-08:00Mohawk Valley Refugee Resettlement Center Needs Your Help<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP6pZlg4SlwQ7kHMjbKvC-DsER0S4fo3fbSCfHjMJjAcvCKPE6UKtFZeA8a2zETASA4C1HXLBXZaLvLq6_5YTsQyzO-yK83MnJq0u0FmtAScIxiFvHoCpPB3wN8yzZjECB3QtijrnjqUy/s1600/16114693_781180955850_7689555504403180426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP6pZlg4SlwQ7kHMjbKvC-DsER0S4fo3fbSCfHjMJjAcvCKPE6UKtFZeA8a2zETASA4C1HXLBXZaLvLq6_5YTsQyzO-yK83MnJq0u0FmtAScIxiFvHoCpPB3wN8yzZjECB3QtijrnjqUy/s1600/16114693_781180955850_7689555504403180426_n.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP6pZlg4SlwQ7kHMjbKvC-DsER0S4fo3fbSCfHjMJjAcvCKPE6UKtFZeA8a2zETASA4C1HXLBXZaLvLq6_5YTsQyzO-yK83MnJq0u0FmtAScIxiFvHoCpPB3wN8yzZjECB3QtijrnjqUy/s1600/16114693_781180955850_7689555504403180426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
If you were one of the people that strongly believed that President Trump's election was grossly exaggerated by Democrats, you may want to think again. He is quickly proving that his actions have been quick and decisive. He has signed executive orders that impacted water, air and land quality. We will begin to build the wall. All issues that will eventually impact our area, but may not be seen right away. <br />
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There is one possible executive order that will have an immediate impact on our area. According to reports from major newspapers, the Trump administration is considering executive orders that will directly impact the Mohawk Valley Refugee Center. While the details are not clear, the Trump administration has indicated it would suspend the refugee program nationwide for 120 days. He will most likely ask for revisions of entry laws, and possibly ban refugees from countries like Syria from entering at all.<br />
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His legislation goes beyond resettlement. He would also extend the Federal Government's outreach to visa programs from our Muslim and European allies. Some countries may follow suit with such a nationalistic policy shift. With borders closing, this may lead to large scale crises around the world.<br />
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Locally, many have credited the revitalization of Utica NY to refugee resettlement. The impact can be seen all over the city. They buy decaying properties and redevelop them. They open new businesses and have become a positive part of the Utica cultural scene. Major media outlets have recognized Utica as a positive example of refugee resettlement. Unfortunately, Utica has been lumped into the misinformation during the election of sanctuary cities across the United States. While people in the Mohawk Valley voted for President Trump, did they realize how their vote would impact the local refugee resettlement center? This is an example how "Making America Great Again" has marginalized our area, and the rest of the country. <br />
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What can you do to support the Mohawk Valley Refugee Center? <br />
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<li>If you live in New Yorks 22nd Congressional District, please contact Representative <b>Claudia Tenney's</b> office at 202.225.3665</li>
<li><b>Chuck Schumer </b>can be reached at (518)- 431-4070. Fax: (518) 431-4076</li>
<li>Sign the petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/protect-united-states-refugee-admissions-program</li>
<li>Or: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/do-not-stop-refugee-resettle.fb49?source=s.icn.fb&r_by=17634054</li>
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Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-68201911137699864032017-01-06T19:41:00.003-08:002017-01-06T19:41:50.805-08:00Maximum Wage Laws - Spread The News.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzzS_R52H_ilGoXBZyQ2DOhmvM_O8roeQg23ykn6Qu_ysO9pXDknDKa1eHVkhGrTrboq4dBRJQOEfIj0PYPeHaoLE2B8_UDjtBTdFLZrTlfkOOSydC2_aUilWq-mXpk_i4fvRvWDLTzau/s1600/neopeopleism-why-is-there-no-maximum-wage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzzS_R52H_ilGoXBZyQ2DOhmvM_O8roeQg23ykn6Qu_ysO9pXDknDKa1eHVkhGrTrboq4dBRJQOEfIj0PYPeHaoLE2B8_UDjtBTdFLZrTlfkOOSydC2_aUilWq-mXpk_i4fvRvWDLTzau/s320/neopeopleism-why-is-there-no-maximum-wage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Before I started to write this article, I reflected upon the reality that exists where I live in which is Upstate New York. From Albany to Buffa<br />
lo, economic disparities have led to massive urban decay. Cities in the rust belt have millions living in poverty. This poverty is surrounded by rural communities that the rich escape the harsh realities of the city. They build large mansions and benefit from property tax inequalities that exist in Upstate New York. Many smaller hamlets have extreme poverty. W<br />
ithin these communities you will find staunch advocates of Donald Trump and neo conservative policies. While they are poor and living check to check, they advocate to "drain the swamp" without any realization they live in the swamp. The basis of all of this poverty is systemic. One of the basic problems is income inequality. They drive by the mansions admiring the rich, without realizing that the problem is right in front of them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0MH4ZeFyHFJi2L5ZE1_U-_kt9knjv-uQX6n3bbdpsy3YqU7MFT6vkJ6dkWCb1K2xCCJI05CBrNX-Okx_PiHtaGnADwCTs_gk_5nE1UokGfrPonPYgOX78u0AEL0jkYgSNFRJ6f-IKmS/s1600/59034_article_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>What would happen if people asked themselves some basic questions about how rich, is too rich? For example, how many mansions should one have in a lifetime? How about luxury cars and boats? It seems that luxuries never come to mind when it come to the question, how much is too much? In fact, look at our new President. He has residences all around the world. Some he may never step in for years. Each home has gardeners, and housekeepers. All low wage earners, ensuring his lifestyle is well taken care of. Yet no one thinks this is odd.<br />
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In the United States, as in many countries with wealth disparities, the possibilities are endless. We have millions living paycheck to paycheck, while less than one percent of the population enjoys massive amounts of wealth. This use to be a formula for revolution. Instead, what was once a rallying cry for change, is now a rallying cry to run for President. The rich deserve to be rich. It is un-American to advocate for fair wages, or income redistribution. <br />
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Don't believe me? Want to call me a crazy left winger? Before you do, the facts are as follows: <br />
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Since 1995. the wealth inequality gap in the U.S. has been steadily widening. Ultra-wealthy Americans, the 0.01%, accounting for about 16,000 families control about 11.2% of the total wealth in the U.S. That's up from 5% in 1995.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzzS_R52H_ilGoXBZyQ2DOhmvM_O8roeQg23ykn6Qu_ysO9pXDknDKa1eHVkhGrTrboq4dBRJQOEfIj0PYPeHaoLE2B8_UDjtBTdFLZrTlfkOOSydC2_aUilWq-mXpk_i4fvRvWDLTzau/s1600/neopeopleism-why-is-there-no-maximum-wage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Meanwhile home ownership for the middle class and poor has reached it'<br />
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s lowest levels. This is the American economy of the 21st century. Yet we think this is normal.<br /><br />
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Our economy strongly relies on the minimum wage in order to support those with a maximum wage's lifestyle. Over the past 20 years, we have seen the slowest growth of wages in our nation's history. Yet, the rich continue to get richer. There is no cap on what one can earn, yet there is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0MH4ZeFyHFJi2L5ZE1_U-_kt9knjv-uQX6n3bbdpsy3YqU7MFT6vkJ6dkWCb1K2xCCJI05CBrNX-Okx_PiHtaGnADwCTs_gk_5nE1UokGfrPonPYgOX78u0AEL0jkYgSNFRJ6f-IKmS/s1600/59034_article_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0MH4ZeFyHFJi2L5ZE1_U-_kt9knjv-uQX6n3bbdpsy3YqU7MFT6vkJ6dkWCb1K2xCCJI05CBrNX-Okx_PiHtaGnADwCTs_gk_5nE1UokGfrPonPYgOX78u0AEL0jkYgSNFRJ6f-IKmS/s1600/59034_article_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0MH4ZeFyHFJi2L5ZE1_U-_kt9knjv-uQX6n3bbdpsy3YqU7MFT6vkJ6dkWCb1K2xCCJI05CBrNX-Okx_PiHtaGnADwCTs_gk_5nE1UokGfrPonPYgOX78u0AEL0jkYgSNFRJ6f-IKmS/s320/59034_article_full.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" />a cap on what should be paid regarding general labor. <br />
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Could the United States benefit from maximum wage laws? By capping the wages on our highest earners, this would allow for lower income wages to improve. The problem is that this kind of legislation is not even on the radar of our legislators. Is it even possible for our society to place a cap on income? Could we limit wealth? <br />
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We have to create a platform of discussion. People need to ask themselves, what good comes from excessive or inherited wealth? How does this benefit me? They will realize it does not. Instead, people believe in trickle down theories. Somehow, we benefit from the rich getting richer. Yet all the data concludes quite the opposite. <br />
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The truth is that wages are impacted by extreme wealth. For example, the Walton family of Wal Mart fame have built an empire from low wage jobs. Most decedents of Sam Wal Mart are billionaires. Mostly by inherited wealth. How does this benefit anyone including the Waltons? They live a life of buying and consuming for the sake of tax shelters. Not exactly the best use of resources.<br />
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It is not just the Waltons, the same can be found in many corporate models ruled by dynastic rule. Yet, for the most part, it goes unchallenged in our society. <br />
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The time has come for a discussion about extreme wealth in our country. Especially now. Our new President's cabinet will be representative of dynastic families. Social policies will continue to benefit the super rich. As the extremes become more apparent, and wealthy communities become more gated and secure from our observations, we have to reach out to non-believers and ask them to consider that an alternate reality exists when it comes to income inequality. We also have to ask people to examine their own realities and the perceptions that led us as a nation to allow such disparities to exist. <br />
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<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-68403128012968448012016-11-27T10:27:00.004-08:002016-11-27T10:27:58.986-08:00The Day Luis Tiant Met Fidel Castro - (As Told To Romans At The Legends Of The Diamond)<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWCgREuAhxczmlWMTYHaJByhkDmABE9xXVOHLI0y6NAhj8sdJwcQ93kOt8Evtt16wkU-A-yydKXQD8Q3E4guXOfSLsfNGSYzbZbYyQvMdijBfnBJt5DqO2wWr2-Ld41ixaxpyl4MxmMSw/s1600/Tiant+Winds+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWCgREuAhxczmlWMTYHaJByhkDmABE9xXVOHLI0y6NAhj8sdJwcQ93kOt8Evtt16wkU-A-yydKXQD8Q3E4guXOfSLsfNGSYzbZbYyQvMdijBfnBJt5DqO2wWr2-Ld41ixaxpyl4MxmMSw/s320/Tiant+Winds+Up.jpg" width="236" /></a>Fidel Castro's death brought back a memory that I will never forget that occurred at a local fundraiser. I learned personally about the oppression of Cubans from the Yankee great Luis Tiant. He was a guest of the Legends of The Diamond. (For those who do not know, Rome hosts the Legends Of The Diamonds Dinner each year for a former Yankee Great that benefits the Lions and Kiwanis Club)</div>
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At the event, Tiant was asked questions about his career. Most questions were about being a Yankee. Then, Rome's very own Greg Mattacola asked a great question, "What was it like growing up under Castro's influence as Castro was from Cuba." Tiant would share a story of Fidel Castro that I will never forget about the oppression that existed during Castro's reign. </div>
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He shared a story similar to a New York Times article as follows: “<em>Cuba was the country with the most Latin American players in the majors until the regime took over and set everything back,” Tiant said. “It’s incredible, all those players that were unable to succeed, so many good ones. When I played, when I left, there were 50 or 60 players as good as me or better than me. And they could never get out. They all stayed there.</em></div>
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<em>“That’s a hard thing, because everyone in life must have an opportunity to be someone, to be able to do what you love, what you dreamed of as a child,” he continued. “That should not be taken away from anyone. That is what happened: They took away the freedom, the happiness, the dreams that one had as a boy, all you wanted to be and never could.”</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQZygT8oc1vFuAfLFa81Oj7izNR1qbgCpW4RI0g-Fm44vk3n8zpcr3Lq_EPDBH4vDm9Dpg5RZcGLCWxBmBVnyaQBXKvlBBuQaOULNXljdcGZUAweIhsGSIPLAzJn1O9DXj1X6b6GnyzuL/s1600/fidel-castro-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQZygT8oc1vFuAfLFa81Oj7izNR1qbgCpW4RI0g-Fm44vk3n8zpcr3Lq_EPDBH4vDm9Dpg5RZcGLCWxBmBVnyaQBXKvlBBuQaOULNXljdcGZUAweIhsGSIPLAzJn1O9DXj1X6b6GnyzuL/s1600/fidel-castro-sm.jpg" /></a>At the time Castro took over power of Cuba, Tiant was in Mexico playing baseball professionally. Playing in Mexico gave him a better shot at coming to play professionally in the states. However, that did not stop Castro from trying to stop him. He told us about one night, when Castro personally visited his parents and gave them an offer. He told them their son can play baseball for Cuba, or he could play baseball for the United States. However, if he plays for the United States, they would never see their boy again. He was 17 years old at the time. His parents wanted their son to have the opportunity to escape oppression, and reap the benefits of his talents. They told Luis to go and play professionally in the states. This decision would cost Tiant personally. Tiant very rarely saw his parents. In fact, he saw them in 1968 in Mexico City and in 1975 through an arrangement with the U.S and Cuba. His last time with his parents was in 2007. </div>
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Tiant's story was a great example of the oppression that existed in Cuba during Castro's tenure. A story he shared with the great people of Rome. Children with their dads learning about living history. An experience this writer will never forget. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-24655030878401742712016-11-23T04:30:00.002-08:002016-11-23T04:30:50.929-08:00The Curious World Of Donald Trump and Income InequalityOkay, take a deep breathe and open your mind to a new reality. Donald Trump may do more for income inequality than his predecessors. (Everyone Okay?) I recently read his first 100 day plan, and if he terminates the trans-pacific partnership, he will reverse decades of unfair trade practices. More importantly, he will reverse urban decay, and bring about fair trade policy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTzbVjka4SJDr5940X_odeoG3btyxRcIckI9RvL9IXPmdcvGdKlInT8pdyjmS4EsWwU4vvzS25W-dn3hGbdZyqnVy3UHAzvbnQzqO87zUwIYYONPkLhpZDlYZuZ5UO6m9L54zhQBdgBWW/s1600/20150801_USD000_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTzbVjka4SJDr5940X_odeoG3btyxRcIckI9RvL9IXPmdcvGdKlInT8pdyjmS4EsWwU4vvzS25W-dn3hGbdZyqnVy3UHAzvbnQzqO87zUwIYYONPkLhpZDlYZuZ5UO6m9L54zhQBdgBWW/s320/20150801_USD000_0.jpg" width="320" /></a>This in my opinion was Trump's strongest card during the elections. He tapped into the Sander's crowd that wanted income equality through fair trade practice. For all his faults, he strongly advocated changing this practice from day one. I know we countered that his ties were made in Mexico, but come on, most textiles have shifted to 3rd world labor. This was a weak counter argument.</div>
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Donald Trump knows that the past 30 years of manufacturing decline were due to bad trade practices. We, along with other industrialized countries maximized profits by using cheap third world labor. This also allowed companies to avoid mandates by governing agencies like the EPA. (I spoke about this in my book back in 2006.) He and Bernie Sanders actually agree that global world trade practices have devastated our country, and the rest of the world. </div>
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Set your differences aside with Trump and pay particular attention to this issue. If he follows through on this promise, the Democrats and Republicans will have to answer to their empty promises of income inequality over the past 30 years. His plan will work. He believes a livable wage versus minimum wage will be impacted by a fair trade policy. This will raise incomes more than mandate guidelines from the government regarding a minimum wage. </div>
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We have been stagnant due to lobbyists handcuffing Washington with bribes on both sides of the aisle. Plant after Plant closing and going overseas. Eyesores in their place in many urban areas. Devastation left behind by the low paying jobs that replaced high paying jobs. It will be interesting to see if this happens, as Trump may make this a battle. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-16030048579661934922016-11-16T17:50:00.000-08:002016-11-16T17:50:12.811-08:00The NBA Leads Again For The Fight For Civil RightsRead this very carefully. When it comes to quest for civil rights and corporate responsibility, the NBA has led the way. The league is a model of corporate decency that the rest of the United States needs to take notice. Here are some recent examples of how the NBA adheres to a strong policy of equity for all citizens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvK2Ql4h-oVP4GYH3shaRBQsCwT5R84OjhkZLWQ1_xvurBATSmM4lcOSua0xR6fmmst5bbn6_qd7q9y95lcqNXuZc7aCHqk3heo2xnNXx4zBATKJ-Ac06TIUTT3wi9pfO7EXI57TvGMA6/s1600/LeBron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvK2Ql4h-oVP4GYH3shaRBQsCwT5R84OjhkZLWQ1_xvurBATSmM4lcOSua0xR6fmmst5bbn6_qd7q9y95lcqNXuZc7aCHqk3heo2xnNXx4zBATKJ-Ac06TIUTT3wi9pfO7EXI57TvGMA6/s320/LeBron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The NBA moved the All Star game from Charlotte North Carolina to New Orleans in February 2017. This was in response to North Carolina's law that discriminates against the LGBTQ community. Recently, 3 NBA teams have boycotted the election of Donald Trump by eliminating any connection to Trump business ventures while on the road playing basketball. Gender equity: NBA expanded sports coverage by women broadcasters, refereeing games, and coaching and training opportunities. The NBA also has required stronger disciplinary practices for Domestic Violence. Police violence was also addressed. The NBA has played a pivotal role regarding Social Justice issues. </div>
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The recent moves by the NBA continues a policy of social responsibility that no other professional sports organizations have tried to aspire to be. Lost in discussion are the efforts by the owners and the league to fight injustices that exist in our country. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-23901444794271950392016-11-11T05:24:00.001-08:002016-11-11T12:16:51.717-08:00Okay Dems, Time To Learn From Trump. <div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmSqo5XG6u90V811EVdnIZYt72wlbIvHVV3VeZa7JgTeQ0Yl-2aPYwOYWN6SLhHZnGSJ1NztMs4al8k4R7JpMVSPNzrIp_Se_S7mPqHVJVBXNMAWj_gg5O_WL2jP3S4x85-nh3aDE0My6/s1600/democratic-party-scholarships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmSqo5XG6u90V811EVdnIZYt72wlbIvHVV3VeZa7JgTeQ0Yl-2aPYwOYWN6SLhHZnGSJ1NztMs4al8k4R7JpMVSPNzrIp_Se_S7mPqHVJVBXNMAWj_gg5O_WL2jP3S4x85-nh3aDE0My6/s320/democratic-party-scholarships.jpg" width="320" /></a>Trump Trump Trump..... Yes I know you are angry. You should be, but for the right reasons. The best thing Democrats can do now is to acknowledge their mistakes. Rioting and protesting aside, we blew it. We lost our way without even realizing it. Stop blaming "uneducated white males" for the loss. Reflect and listen to what the nation is holding us accountable for during the past 30 years . Here are some thoughts:</div>
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<strong>Bernie Sanders</strong> - He was the Trump of the Democratic Party. People wanted real change this year. We dumped Bernie, which gave us Trump. It is that simple. We did it the old fashion way, Chicago Politics. Almost every primary had accusations of primary fraud. Our DNC chair colluded with the Clintons. It was dirty politics swept under the rug. Even in Bernie's boyhood home in Brooklyn, election fraud was brought to the attention of the State's Attorney General. </div>
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Correction Notice: Clean up our primary process to represent our values.<br />
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<strong>NAFTA</strong> - 30 years ago, Democrats rallied against NAFTA and free trade agreements. Today, we just go along with things. Our nation's economy was destroyed by Free Trade. Free Trade has impoverished 2 billion people to 2 dollars a day or less in income. That's not a democratic principle. </div>
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Correction: Reject Free Trade. Replace with a policy of Fair Trade.<br />
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<strong>Healthcare Reform</strong> - We had the house and senate 8 years ago similar to the Republicans have today. Yes the Republicans blocked Obamacare's landmark reforms. However, we accepted the blood money of healthcare corporations to go along with it. The House and Senate needs reform. They do not follow the Democratic Platform in regards to legislation. It's okay to filibuster folks!</div>
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Correction: Filibuster, Rally, and Be True Legislators in the House and Senate.<br />
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<strong>Hillary Clinton/Rural Support</strong> - She Blew It. Thought she won in a landslide until a week before the election. 260 days without a press conference. Democrats back in the day would campaign in rural and urban areas. In my hometown of Rome NY Donald Trump made an appearance. The first Presidential appearance since JFK. He could not win NYS, but he knew the value of campaigning everywhere. Hillary never even made an appearance in Wisconsin. Trump was laughed at for going into Democratic havens such as Detroit and Chicago. Who is laughing now? </div>
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Correction: Never take anything for granted. Grassroots means just that. </div>
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<strong>Media Manipulation </strong>- When 97% of the media contributes to democrats, that's not good. People picked up on that and it played into Trump's favor. Even Fox News turned on Trump for many months only to play favor in the last few weeks. The Democrats used to be a proponent for fighting against media bias. </div>
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Correction: Advocate for Media Reform. Disavow cable news networks with a slant on both sides. Political consultants from campaigns should have a window before becoming journalists to avoid collusion between parties. </div>
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<strong>Corruption </strong>- We talk the talk, however we sure do not walk the walk. We pay and play just like our counterparts. I understand we have to at times to get elected. However, Democrats over the past 30 years have not energized the movement to have publicly funded elections to take the money out of the system. </div>
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Correction: Advocate for Publicly Funded Elections.</div>
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The bottom line is Trump is going to address some of these issues and hold Democrats and Republicans accountable for inactiveness. We became a house of cards that needed to crumble on both sides. Just remember one things before you criticize the Republicans. 16 months ago, each party had a rogue candidate. The Republicans let the process work to their credit while the Democrats discredited Bernie. You reap what you sow sometimes. That's the lesson of 2016.</div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-35258153012418775722016-11-06T17:01:00.001-08:002016-11-06T17:01:20.595-08:00The History Of Water Rights In Rome NY<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8tClY8nLV-nasFQ7mjv_eVa0O1uvJQEaPlOTbf1iUmOwosZ2krdc7dqOLLnTM8JpQdqwNmRZW_lxE6XEeRF0by9eLBT1F3nC7xVjAxJ4HzCYmXFBOxR6ku80Ev-2bACxIUla1IJ-_wZv/s1600/Clean%252520Water%252520Act%252520Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8tClY8nLV-nasFQ7mjv_eVa0O1uvJQEaPlOTbf1iUmOwosZ2krdc7dqOLLnTM8JpQdqwNmRZW_lxE6XEeRF0by9eLBT1F3nC7xVjAxJ4HzCYmXFBOxR6ku80Ev-2bACxIUla1IJ-_wZv/s320/Clean%252520Water%252520Act%252520Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Water rights are something people take for granted. When we hear the term "water rights", we think of the west coast, whereas water is in short demand. However, water rights is a nationwide issue on many levels. Pollution is the most common problem outside of water shortages. In fact, clean water has been in the news this past year, reminding us that managing water is critical for communities. . The need for clean water is legislated by the Clean Water Act of 1972. Many communities back in the 1970s were in need of repair. Clean water was a problem. </div>
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Central New York was not immune from the water rights controversy of the 1970s. A great example of how clean water impacted it's citizens happened in Rome New York back in the mid 1970s. Rome had the largest Giardiasis outbreak in the nation. Lost in the archives were the details that were documented by scientists. Here is what happened based on reports from the CDC.</div>
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<em>Three hundred fifty residents of Rome, New York, had laboratory-confirmed cases of giardiasis between 1 November 1974 and 7 June 1975. A random household survey showed an overall attack rate for giardiasis (defined as a diarrheal illness of 5 days or more) of 10.6%. A significant association was discovered between having giardiasis and using city water and between having illness and drinking 1 or more glasses of water a day. The presence of human settlements in the Rome watershed area suggested that the water supply could have been contaminated by untreated human waste. The infectivity of municipal water was confirmed by producing giardiasis in specific pathogen-free dogs fed sediment samples of raw water obtained from an inlet of a city reservoir. A microscopic examination of the water sediments uncovered a Giardia lamblia cyst in one sample. This was the first time that a G. lamblia cyst has been found in municipal water in an epidemic and the first time that such water has been shown to infect laboratory animals.</em> (source - CDC)</div>
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One has to travel back in time to understand what was gong on in the Rome area. Water governance was an issue. The area was transitioning to Water Authorities largely in part due to Federal Legislation by the Clean Water Act of 1972. The outbreak was largely due to failed policies of the past. The outbreak today is a lost part of Rome's history. The good news is that reform came after the outbreak, and Rome has some one of the best water supplies in the United States.</div>
<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-89469355507576470052016-10-29T09:02:00.001-07:002016-10-29T09:03:50.173-07:005 Changes For The Election Of The POTUS That Need To Happen Now.<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE7zN_cOE8soltKuDlZ4-q4NzgBPSFkxVbRkBpNg6xLE8v9cewcB1hrtdkgcftPGfDgaHiE_YNWAGlYKpF2P-sDYKFMpHqogc_2fYfXe3IKT1KmH1XITy9xA6yCaS1pFRFdpfbIvkXZav/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE7zN_cOE8soltKuDlZ4-q4NzgBPSFkxVbRkBpNg6xLE8v9cewcB1hrtdkgcftPGfDgaHiE_YNWAGlYKpF2P-sDYKFMpHqogc_2fYfXe3IKT1KmH1XITy9xA6yCaS1pFRFdpfbIvkXZav/s1600/images.png" /></a>I think people tired of the election of the POTUS 6 months ago. What a mess. An embarrassment to our principles. The election is too long, corrupt, and lacking any process that makes sense. When in an abyss such as we have experienced, we fail to see he simple solutions for the next election cycle. Here are a few suggestions.</div>
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1. Shorten the vetting process: Do we really need 2-3 years of vetting. In some cases, it starts after the election ends. The new criteria is to shorten the election process to 10 months as originally intended. </div>
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2. Publicly funded elections: As crazy as this might sound, the time has come to publicly fund elections. Politicians are bought and sold by fundraising. It would be great to free our leaders from the chains of donations to their campaigns. </div>
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3. 1 month ban on vetting by the media: Too often, as we have see, the media holds on to stories for years for the benefit of the other candidate. To clear up this mess, new stories have to be limited to platforms during the final month or months of the election process.</div>
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4. Media Bias: Contributions by media personalities to the candidates is dangerous. The same for the corporations they work for can be said. Banning donations can free the media from scrutiny, and help the American people trust our news organizations. </div>
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5: PAC ads: Negative advertising needs to be replaced by platform discussions. The political action committees know how to tweak public opinions with distortions. This is not good for our democracy.</div>
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There are many more changes that are needed. We need to start somewhere, and we love things to have a number to them. Why not 5 changes to start? The impact would be immediate and return the election process to the people. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-41164879974876834072016-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:002016-10-16T13:37:36.692-07:00If We Can Learn Anything From This Election - We Need To Reform The Election Process<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuz4lXdVp65vlC04SZYSef8qaIVU7H1RURlwlF4anpTqkv7B23TsSkdpk-mQewCxtvu-E-iRMMYH1oKlCaE-2zWZhgxgyXZDkh5CdavWvwH3SrIsvi3Bzw1GIa_mCQeW48U_9IuvNNHVt/s1600/election-reform-wordle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuz4lXdVp65vlC04SZYSef8qaIVU7H1RURlwlF4anpTqkv7B23TsSkdpk-mQewCxtvu-E-iRMMYH1oKlCaE-2zWZhgxgyXZDkh5CdavWvwH3SrIsvi3Bzw1GIa_mCQeW48U_9IuvNNHVt/s1600/election-reform-wordle.jpg" /></a>2016 is a blessing and a curse when it comes to our election process. The office of the POTUS is mired in money and media bias. Without a doubt, this is the worse example of voter frustration and disgust. Many asking, how did we get here? </div>
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The truth is the office of the POTUS is controlled by a minority of power brokers that spend billions on voter manipulation. We are deluged with negative advertisements, and attacks on personal lives. Very little substance is discussed during the 2 year process to elect a president. </div>
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The process of reform can be a simple one. With our technology, we could create a system of algorithms similar to Netflix that allow voters to examine the platforms of candidates. Take away the money and advertising and have the candidates only discuss the issues directly to the voters.<br />
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Next, it may be time to reexamine political parties. What would happen if we allowed candidates to run without the confusions of political parties. Political parties have exhausted their influence on elections. Without them, we could start the next big reform for democracy. One that has a direct vote by the people, without political parties to manipulate and confuse matters. </div>
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There are many new ideas waiting to be introduced. Hopefully, the millennials will pave the path to reform. Our democracy is counting on them. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-56921492367404486802016-10-02T16:37:00.001-07:002016-10-02T16:37:17.114-07:00How Trump Proved Sander's Point About Income Inequality<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those who doubt the theory of income inequality were hopefully listening in the last debate. Donald Trump proudly told the audience, "I have not paid taxes in 15 years." He in fact implied how stupid we are to think the rich would ever pay taxes to the Federal Government.</div>
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The progressive tax system is far from progressive. For years, it has transitioned to a tax system that benefits the rich. The middle class pays the bulk of taxes in our country based on the percentage of income versus taxes paid to the federal and state governments. The same can be said for fee for services charged by all branches of government.</div>
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Bernie Sanders led the charge this year regarding income inequality. The system of collecting revenue simply does not work as a progressive system. At this point, we would be better off with a flat tax. It would be better to collect 14% of taxes versus a system in which the rich do not pay at all. </div>
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The barrier to passing such a system of fairness is ironically, those who pay the most in taxes. There is a disconnect regarding their perception that the rich pay their fair share in taxes. Clearly, after watching the debate, nothing can be further from the truth. </div>
<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-44516403171582055562016-08-27T08:25:00.000-07:002016-08-27T08:25:56.850-07:00Hey NYC Police....Why The Secrecy All Of The Sudden?<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZYqBOC_Q-NXxzRpHOCX2bqroAvKMtbBd3qXqNg4lV1vE0u-1gpkClTg8vBdsi_EkyG59dNuC0snbTgge6sWiHsQRwyugb82xpDF2cplV2vQJ9LGm2QzbPvzeKF12zKDYXzgO112fRYd/s1600/front-nypd-0825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZYqBOC_Q-NXxzRpHOCX2bqroAvKMtbBd3qXqNg4lV1vE0u-1gpkClTg8vBdsi_EkyG59dNuC0snbTgge6sWiHsQRwyugb82xpDF2cplV2vQJ9LGm2QzbPvzeKF12zKDYXzgO112fRYd/s320/front-nypd-0825.jpg" width="243" /></a>In what seems to be a huge setback for transparency, the NYC Police Department has decided to hide from the public disciplinary actions for it's officers. A standard practice for journalists and families to review, has all of the sudden disappeared. The department is taking advantage of a state statute that the legal department never knew existed to hide from the public disciplinary actions of it's officers.</div>
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By doing so, it will be much less transparent. </div>
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Why is this important? If a police officer breaks the trust of their position, their transgressions can be hidden from the public. This sort of privilege can be taken advantage of by officers who are reckless on and off duty. What may seem to be an accident to the general public, could be a cover up of a negligence by officers. In a sense, they can hide behind the badge when they make mistakes or worse yet, purposeful damage to another individual. </div>
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This surely will not help bridge the gap of mistrust with groups like Black Lives Matter. In fact, it only proves their point. Another problem is the silence of Mayor DeBlasio, who ran on a platform of greater transparency for all departments in NYC. </div>
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<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-82024129931049980312016-08-24T02:58:00.004-07:002016-08-24T02:58:46.348-07:00Why Are There Only 3 Peace Pagodas In The United States?<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhS3x5eeZyAzuI-9iJQqm1jOTnR1wzvzEwtMEbQbMG2-GYWrFkVjWAWmxLG-Y3pMopG6vBW0jBcY7LbuB7wYcmWH7pe8JiMONp-oDy6vp9304ZmVF0eaXsAFiNxyY0-6j21wsKTEJp-DT/s1600/fujii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 171px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 155px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhS3x5eeZyAzuI-9iJQqm1jOTnR1wzvzEwtMEbQbMG2-GYWrFkVjWAWmxLG-Y3pMopG6vBW0jBcY7LbuB7wYcmWH7pe8JiMONp-oDy6vp9304ZmVF0eaXsAFiNxyY0-6j21wsKTEJp-DT/s1600/fujii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 171px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 155px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhS3x5eeZyAzuI-9iJQqm1jOTnR1wzvzEwtMEbQbMG2-GYWrFkVjWAWmxLG-Y3pMopG6vBW0jBcY7LbuB7wYcmWH7pe8JiMONp-oDy6vp9304ZmVF0eaXsAFiNxyY0-6j21wsKTEJp-DT/s200/fujii.jpg" width="151" /></a><br />
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<strong><em>Civiliza</em></strong><a href="http://www.graftonpeacepagoda.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/fujii.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-7];player=img;"><strong><em></em></strong></a><strong><em>ti</em></strong><strong><em>on is not to kill human beings, </em></strong><strong><em>Not to destroy things, not to make war; Civilizati</em></strong><strong><em>on is to hold mutual affection </em></strong><strong><em>And to res</em></strong><strong><em>pect one another.”</em></strong><br />
–Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii</div>
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Peace Pagodas have a significant place in the development of humanity. Peace Pagodas are a symbol of non-violence dating as far back as 2000 years ago. During that time, the Emperor Ashoka of India, a notoriously bloody warlord, was approaching after a particularly wretched battle by a Buddhist Monk who admonished him for his wrong doings. From that time on, Ashoka became a became a fervent believer in Buddhism. After his conversion, he gave up his warlike ways and began erecting Peace Pagodas.</div>
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There are 80 in the world today. Of which 3 are in the United States, a country that has a military budget that is the equivalent of the next 10 nations combined. In an ironic twist, Peace Pagodas are lacking in a nation that is best prepared for the destruction of the planet earth if need be. For over 100 years, the United States has been the most militaristic nation in the world. Yes, we have fought battles that have led to peace, however we have contributed to wars around the world for generations that were covert and unnecessary. </div>
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New York State and Massachusetts have 2 of the 3 Peace Pagodas. One is under construction in Tennessee. Peaceful and a place for reflection, they offer children and adults the opportunity to reflect upon civilizations and how we choose to live our lives today. We have a choice to be violent or non violent as a society. We can destroy or build things based on empathy, and compassion. It is a choice, if we seek out the truth. This blog is dedicated to exploring what can be, as much as we need to understand what is.........</div>
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Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-40251779121676466092016-08-21T07:41:00.001-07:002016-08-21T07:41:06.518-07:00Rethinking Political PartiesIs it time to rethink political parties? Have millennials already started the process? Great questions, and Americans are starting to pay attention. Over half of millennials have registered independent. Tired of the political process, they are sending a clear message. That message is, political parties are the problem.<br />
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Political parties are interested in winning so that they can have power and control over the major branches of government. Over the past 50 years, trillions of dollars are transferred to power changes for Democrats and Republicans. House domination is the equivalent to corporate welfare. The political process has been hijacked, and without many older Americans realizing, we have converted to a Corporatized Democracy. Corporations first, people second. <br />
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Millennials have figured it out. We can not have change until we change the political process. The marriage of Corporations, Media, and Political Parties has changed out country, and not for the better. There is a stranglehold on issues of decency. We live in a lottery system of services based on political whims instead of social policy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDsRXm4VCIDZvsiydX2sRz_v06eg1yChb2mlahrOy6hyeSD1GBAHE2x6xVc79hX3qtBsNc-EPhBBXgFF8fCeaLXiRO7SN6aQ7CH46OpjFSSdf9BC3WC-8zQs7Eosxvw7B9DovLr2V-gl/s1600/main-qimg-19f8c3e2798ce8441a89cb2792355b83.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDsRXm4VCIDZvsiydX2sRz_v06eg1yChb2mlahrOy6hyeSD1GBAHE2x6xVc79hX3qtBsNc-EPhBBXgFF8fCeaLXiRO7SN6aQ7CH46OpjFSSdf9BC3WC-8zQs7Eosxvw7B9DovLr2V-gl/s1600/main-qimg-19f8c3e2798ce8441a89cb2792355b83.png" /></a>Our educational system is another example of the problem with political parties. Hijacked for decades by political parties, the system is a revolving door of standardized educational testing and corporate control. Teachers are not treated as professionals. They have been incorporated into a system of professional test givers. The same is true for Guidance Counselors. Often relegated to data analysis, they have help more with the administration of tests than working directly with students. Parents have demanded for years reform, priorities for curriculum and less tests, only to fall on deaf ears. It seems that corporatized curriculum is more important than local control. </div>
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The decline of political parties will continue. However, the corporations control the agenda as political parties decline. It will take a greater decline in political parties to increase the possibility of positive change for the United States. How long this change will take is anyone's guess. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-1782855121050963822016-08-17T06:49:00.000-07:002016-08-17T06:54:39.551-07:00Hey Michael Moore - Remember President Bush and Katrina? <div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qQnr8CgoQoCrSt3g798bWYgfotMFGV1KZb2YgSgydfQ_SZkt-bNx11MeRHpd3jEt6RrEuPgBWfAFVJ1FcF0YhxleU-rVhYHsKTGwdUG3-oBP0EB6eponQaypVOeEvl_X5F3J_QiM8ETj/s1600/nc_casketsb_mezzn_nbcnews-ux-1080-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qQnr8CgoQoCrSt3g798bWYgfotMFGV1KZb2YgSgydfQ_SZkt-bNx11MeRHpd3jEt6RrEuPgBWfAFVJ1FcF0YhxleU-rVhYHsKTGwdUG3-oBP0EB6eponQaypVOeEvl_X5F3J_QiM8ETj/s320/nc_casketsb_mezzn_nbcnews-ux-1080-600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Call me crazy, but the Democrats have lived on a platform for years of President Bush's handling of Katrina. He was late arriving on scene, and everyone criticized him for not responding. Many allegation included race as a motivation. Some like Michael Moore profited from Katrina by documenting the events in his movies.</div>
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Fast forward to 2016. Flooding has led to a massive evacuation in Louisiana and President Obama is on vacation. Not a hint of his presence. Why is there no outrage similar to President Bush? The problem in political loyalty. The Democrats are silent, and should be ashamed of themselves. People in crisis often do not have a name, and a political party to lean on, they just need help.</div>
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This is a great example of the polarization of the United States due to the media. Michael Moore and the likes of him on both sides of a position lean toward parties and platforms when they should bring equity to the discussion of human rights. </div>
Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470118440614323369.post-44922745513506826552016-08-08T04:21:00.000-07:002016-08-08T04:21:02.328-07:00What Happened To The Idea That Robots Will Make Our Lives Easier? Over the past 30 years, automation using robots has changed our society. Robots essentially have replaced people. We were sold a proposition that robots would make our lives easier, and in some ways provide us a much simpler lifestyle. <br />
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Automation has worked quite well. We produce as much as we consume thanks to technology. In fact abundance is more of an issue versus the shortfalls predicted a generation past. The question I have is for our readers is, "Did we miss on opportunity to make our lives easier?" </div>
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Think about it, in Europe some countries have factored in the benefits of automation. Shorter work weeks, extended vacation times, and universal health care for all. All paid for through the benefits of automation, and of course careful planning and social policy.</div>
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Did we miss an opportunity to extend the same freedoms to our citizens? If we shortened the work week to 30 hrs, we would improve the health of our citizens, increase employment, and provide for the intellectual freedom promised by our very own Constitution. </div>
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<br />Lenny Giardinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08075004861452412791noreply@blogger.com0