A Poem Honoring U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan
I've had the good fortune of being able to showcase a wide range of work on this blog.You can find anything from investigative news stories and celebrity interviews to stinging commentary and social satire. However, the one thing I have never showcased is my poetry. That's because I didn't want to get laughed at by all the real, hardcore poets out there. After several close friends pleaded with me to post at least one, I decided to do so.
I'm sure many will find this poem controversial and perhaps "un-American", but I'll take my chances. The G-Man has pissed off so many that it's getting to the point where people are going to have to start taking a number. It is being published in order to highlight the difficulties U.S. soldiers face and the unpleasant aspects of war that are not often seen, heard or talked about in American media or our culture. Given this fact, I would like to present this poem as a very, very special Memorial Day tribute to every soldier that died in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially the ones who always tried to do the right thing, under the most extreme circumstances, and represented America in a positive way. May you all rest in peace.
The Ballad of Colonel Kelly, USMC
My name is Col. Kelly, United States Marine
This is a tale of war, and the horrors I have seen.
Like the young Iraqi girl, whose skull was crushed to bits
By a demon insurgent who beat her, and cut off both her tits.
Habib was a local merchant, who served my Hell Hounds bread
His mother found him in the street, a body with no head.
Sgt. Winston was from Dallas, a sniper’s bullet found his eye
He prayed for his wife and baby, as I helplessly watched him die.
PTSD took three of my best, Cpl. Thomas, Smith and Ligger
They sat in a circle, kissed a cross, and simply pulled the trigger.
Sgt. Harris was from Brooklyn, serving his fourth tour in Iraq
His body parts were strewn about, after being shot in the back.
We had orders to storm a mosque, where the enemy laid its claim
Thirty children were killed that day, and I refused to take the blame.
Several soldiers stained our flag, having no regard for human life
Holding an Imam at gunpoint, while fellow soldiers raped his wife.
Car bombs explode around me, the screams are commonplace
An Iraqi boy lies bleeding, with only half a face.
Semper Fidelis is our motto, for honor and country we’ll die
Some Americans support the war, while most denounce the lie.
Back home there’s talk of victory, but in war no one wins
Blood soaks a once sacred land, who will pay for these sins?
None of this matters to me now, as I am finally headed home
Unlike many American veterans, I haven’t been left to roam.
I am Col. Richard E. Kelly, and I now accept my fate
Killed by a roadside bomb…. August 20…in the year 2008.
Wife Says Husband Left U.S. After School Reps Created "Illegal" History
Xiao Ying Zhang, pictured with her infant daughter, traveled all the way to Capitol Hill to request help from elected officials. To date, none have taken a position in a case that could mark a watershed moment in U.S./China relations.
Howard Wang and Xiao Ying Zhang were born and raised in the Sichuan province of China. Like many married couples from foreign lands, they often dreamed of coming to the United States to gain citizenship, start a family and build a new life. That opportunity came eight years ago when Wang and his wife entered the country under F-1 and F-2 dependent visa status. The F-1 allows non-immigrant students to enter the U.S. and the F-2 is a non-immigrant visa that grants access to dependent spouses and children. “My husband had an F-1 visa. He was studying computer science courses while we were living a nice, quite life in Wyoming. The people there were very nice and made us feel welcomed,” said Zhang. “My husband graduated in August of 2002. I was not working because the F-2 visa does not allow you to be employed. I was taking care of my child at home and learning English sporadically. I can now read most English with the help of a dictionary.”
The family soon migrated to Arizona after Shono Preparatory High School hired Wang as a math teacher in December of 2002 under the Optional Practice status. An F-1 student has a one-year optional practice period. On June 1, 2003, right before his optional practice status ended, June 2, 2003, Wang was granted H1-B status and Zhang was granted H4 status as a result. However, the couple's life was about to undergo another major transformation, as the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) district in Ohio requested Wang’s services. “On September 16, 2003, my husband was offered a teaching job at the Academy of World Languages (AWL) through the CPS district office. He quit his job at Shono on September 19, 2003 and moved to Ohio right away. This is when our American dream began to turn into a horrible, horrible nightmare,” said Zhang.
The couple provided official faxed documents from AWL to Wang, dated September 16, 2003. The two-page application confirmed that a “position of acceptance” had been agreed to by Wang and Stephen Hoyt, a principal that is no longer at the institution, to teach a class entitled “Chinese Languages”. The document also indicated that all necessary paperwork would be processed. Zhang contends that once they arrived at the school, they were immediately classified as illegal and that problems seemed to develop right from the start.
“First, the public school’s attorney, Mary M Godar, claimed we were illegal. In my opinion, for whatever reason, this woman was paid by the public school to 'operate' on our legal documents for months,” Zhang proclaimed. “She was paid very well by the public school for months, but our family was forced to wait until the matter was investigated. We had no income from September 19 to November 25, 2003. It was because of the generosity of people that we were even able to eat and pay our bills. We really didn't understand why this was happening because my husband had done the paper work for his first H1-B in only a few days.”
Zhang indicated that the situation took a dramatic turn on November 25, 2003. The CPS, still acting under Godar's legal guidance, suddenly let Wang work at the school on an as needed basis. Meanwhile, Wang’s legal status between September 19, 2003 and Nov. 25, 2003 was exactly same. “The school district and its attorney were obviously above the law. When they didn’t want my husband working, they said he was illegal. When they needed him, the illegal status they claimed was forgotten. So, in essence, he taught American kids with an illegal tag posted by the district and its attorney. We have the paycheck stubs to prove it,” said Zhang.
Zhang further alleges that in September of 2004, her husband, who has a Masters Degree in mathematics and possessed a valid math certificate, was placed on-call while many people in the Cincinnati Public School district, including those with certificates in non-math related fields, were allowed to teach math classes on a regular basis without any valid math certification from the state. To substantiate his claim, Wang says a representative from the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (CFT), of which Wang was a member, gave him a complete listing of math-teaching vacancies for the entire CPS district for the 2004-2005 school year that were allegedly filled internally with non-math certified teachers. Zhang provided the listing in its entirety.
The couple believes the motive was to let people in the CPS district have first shot at the jobs, even though they were non-math certified teachers, in order to save money and offset the enormous shortage of math teachers in the district. When Wang sent numerous complaint emails to related sources, copies of which were provided for this story, it greatly angered district officials; particularly Human Resources Chief Manager, Deborah Heater, who was the correspondent with Wang in the contentious emails. According to Zhang, “They retaliated by forcing him to take part in a disciplinary meeting on December 14, 2004 to reveal the name of the source who informed him that non-math certified teachers were working in the classrooms, but the school district couldn’t discipline him for anything because they knew he was telling the truth!” A copy of a letter from the CPS district office to Wang was provided to validate Zhang's statement. The content of the letter, dated December 14, 2004, stated the following:
Dear Mr. Wang,
As a condition of your H1-B visa, you will be returned to your position at AWL effective Wednesday, December 15, 2005. You will remain in this position until June 2005. When staffing activities for 2005-2006 are concluded at your school by February, you will know that status of your position for 2005-2006.
On January 10, 2005, your name will be included in the Superintendent's recommendations to the Board and you will be returned to long-term substitute status retroactive to September 27, 2004. After January 10, 2005, you will receive back pay to September 27, minus any pay you received as a daily substitute.
Finally, I need immediately your visa (from Canada) and Form I-94 (white card) for you and your family. Please bring these documents to me by 4:30 pm January 15, 2005. I will copy and return them to you.
Sincerely,
Doris M. Stokes
Human Resources Specialist
Zhang mentioned that what happened next was completely shocking. “They tried to find something else to punish my husband for truth he had told. When attempts to paint him as a disgruntled employee failed, the school district asked him if he completed a requested trip to Canada for matters concerning his visa, which they knew was unnecessary. Godar arranged for this to be done. When my husband told them no, they stopped him from working again, without pay, on January 26, 2005. They did this despite the fact that my husband was told by a United States Customs and Immigration Service officer, 'Sharon', that the trip to Canada was unnecessary and unwarranted. The school district and Godar said the USCIS officer was wrong.” Wang and Zhang submitted a riveting piece of evidence that refuted the claims made by the school district and the attorney: an eight-minute recording of the actual conversation that took place on June 8, 2004 between Wang and the USCIS agent. The officer even provided Wang with her badge number, which was identified as 6135, and stated that all of Wang's papers were in order, that his approval notice was valid and that he was in good standing until August 18, 2006.
In an attempt to bring attention to their plight and what they believed was a major scandal within the Cincinnati Public School district, Zhang went to Washington, D.C. and protested in front of Capitol Hill on December 7, 2006. “When I protested in D.C., the complaint was on record. I believe the CPS district knew about it. Godar didn’t file the proper papers to update my visa in 2003 or 2004, which caused me to be charged by the USCIS,” stated Zhang. “My husband told the truth and complained publicly and formally to many officials and offices, such as former Ohio Senator Mike DeWine, current Senator George Voinovich, the County Commissioner and the Ohio Department of Education. He was confident that he was telling the truth and was willing to face the consequences for speaking out. So was I. That was why I was protesting in front of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Education. Unfortunately, those we were speaking out against were too powerful.”
Zhang and child in front of the U.S. Supreme Court
In the end, Zhang said the school district and its attorney secretly sent a withdrawal application, a copy of which has been obtained, to revoke Wang's H1-B status in March of 2005. The application was approved on April 5, 2005. “So, he unknowingly was regarded as an illegal alien since April 5, 2005 and made the decision to leave the country,” Zhang tearfully explained. “When a complaint was made against the attorney for ethnics violation, Godar said she was only doing what the school district instructed her to do. My husband received a letter from Robert R. Berger, District Counsel for the Ohio Supreme Court, indicating that no formal charges were going to be filed against Godar.
When asked why she was allowed to remain in the U.S., Zhang noted that her children were recognized as U.S. citizens. Therefore, remaining in the U.S. was not a problem for her. Then, according to Zhang, the situation got much worse. “When my husband had been illegally charged for overstaying since April 5, 2005, I was not charged. He left the country in 2007, and now I am being charged by the USCIS for overstaying since June 2, 2004 because of an illegal history created by the school district and Godar. I had been dependent on my husband in America. Godar should have submitted my documents with my husband's because she was in charge of all processing of our legal documents since September of 2003. She didn’t do it! She secretly created an illegal history for me, too.”
Wang was the only income source for the family when he was charged for overstaying. His wife contends he was denied all legal rights to work right after September 2006 and that his valid passport identification was withheld by USCIS on December 3, 2006. To make matters even worse, the couple received a phone call in 2006 from the Bureau of Child Welfare, while in Virginia, and was advised to provide their kids with a standard means of support or they would lose their parenthood rights. Given the extreme circumstances, Wang accepted all the charges and voluntarily left the country.
Within a matter of months, Zhang was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. No longer able to support her four children on $100 a week, she had no choice but to send them all to be with their father. “All of my children were born in America. The last time I saw my two smaller children, ages three and one, was July 2008. I saw the other two, ages seven and five, back in February of 2007. They are a few months older now,” said Zhang while wiping away tears. “I have no one in America. I am all alone. I couldn't be with my family on Thanksgiving, Christmas or when the American and Chinese New Year came. I'm all alone, and it's hurts me so much not to be with my husband and my children, and it's all because we told the truth.
An immigration hearing took place on March 9, 2009, and the judge set another hearing for June 18 because Zhang has not been able to obtain legal representation. It could take years before the case is ever decided. “According to U.S. immigration law, since I am charged by USCIS, I am required to stay in the country (legally) by the U.S. government. The fact is I'm forced to stay here. I cannot leave the country without resolving this charge. If I admit the charges on June 18, 2009, I will be permitted to leave the U.S. at that time. I will not do that because the charge against me, remaining in country after June 2, 2004 without authorization, is completely wrong! I was authorized by the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS to stay here from October 2005 to October 2006. As evidence, a copy of Zhang's official identification, issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS, was provided.
The China native is currently in the process of trying to locate a better paying job. Although she is not being charged a penalty fee while staying in the U.S., she does have to pay $340 a year to apply for a work permit. If you would like to contact Zhang to offer assistance or services, you may email her at w345345y@hotmail.com.
In order to present a fair, balanced and accurate story, calls were placed and emails were sent, from December 4 to December 12, to all of the following:
The Cincinnati Public School District- to try and obtain contact information regarding former AWL principal Stephen Hoyt. A representative by the name of “Marita” indicated Hoyt left the school in 2004 and suggested Public Affairs Director, Janet Walsh be contacted for more information. After speaking with Walsh, she was uncertain as to whether or not she would be able to locate contact information for Hoyt and said she would call back. Several follow-up calls were never returned.
Former Ohio Senator Mike DeWine and Current Senator George Voinovich - to confirm a joint email sent to Wang from the senators indicating their investigation and conversation with USCIS officials revealed that the Cincinnati Public School Board was at fault and that the school’s attorney should have filed the necessary paperwork to upgrade Wang's legal status. A PDF copy of the joint email was sent to Voinovich's office for comments. DeWine left office in January of 2007, but on the evening of December 11 an email comment was sent from Voinovich's press secretary, Garrette M.K. Silverman. Silverman indicated that the senator's office was not at liberty to discuss the case.
Robert R. Berger, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the Supreme Court of Ohio - to discuss the decision regarding Wang’s claim that Cincinnati Public School Board attorney, Mary Godar, did not act in his best interest when she failed to submit the documents necessary that would allow him to remain in the U.S. Berger stated, “You need to be aware of the following. There are two types of cases that we deal with: those that are filed and investigated as official complaints and those that are looked at and dismissed. I do not recall the case you are referring to, which leads me to believe the case was probably dismissed. Therefore, I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the case, nor can I make any official comments because the latter cases are deemed confidential.” When informed that I was in possession of an official document from his office, which included his signature, indicating Godar did not inform Wang in time regarding his H1-B revocation, which was key for his legal status, Berger claimed he had no knowledge of the document. When the offer was made to email it to confirm the document’s authenticity, he again stated, “I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the case, nor can I make any official comments because the latter cases are deemed confidential. He declined to offer further comments.”
Mary. M. Godar, the law firm of Frost Brown Todd, LLC – to obtain comments from Godar regarding Wang's allegation that she was the central figure in an elaborate cover-up by the Cincinnati Public School district to oust him. Her assistant, who indicated the attorney’s name was actually Peggy Godar, immediately suggested that a message be left on Godar’s voicemail. The voicemail confirmed the attorney’s name as Peggy Godar. A detailed message was left on voicemail and with the assistant informing Godar that the story would be posted the week of December 11 and that her comments, via email or phone, would be appreciated. Not one of the phone calls made was ever returned.
The Ohio Department of Education - toconfirm whether or not teachers needed to be certified to teach math or any other subjects in the Cincinnati Public Schools district. Scott Blake, Director of Public Relations, responded a half-hour after the initial call was placed. Blake stated, unequivocally, that teachers must be certified and have a valid certification number, which is provided by the state. He also indicated that this has always been the policy and that teaching certificates and licenses were regarded as the same in the state of Ohio.
Trump's Pageant Call a Major Diss to Vanessa Williams
You folks better hold on to something because “The G-Man” is madder than a hellhound! Let me get this straight. Donald Trump, owner of the Miss USA Pageant, has decided that Carrie Prejean, the 2009 winner representing the state of California, can retain her crown after topless photos surfaced in the media? Okay. Next question. Trump and other pageant officials actually reviewed the photos and deemed them ‘acceptable’ and stated that “in some cases the pictures were lovely”?Well, given the fact that the lovely and talented Vanessa Williams was forced to abdicate her Miss America crown after racy photos of her popped up 26 years ago, I think this is a bunch of bullshit! Even Albert Einstein would’ve said “What the fuck?!!” while trying to make sense of this decision.
First of all, Trump is one of the biggest pussy-chasers walking. Yeah, I said it! Go ahead and sue my well–rounded black ass, Trump! Everybody knows it, including his comb-over ass, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he looked at the pictures and got a “woody” before making the decision. I’m willing to bet that he nearly broke his damn wrist because he couldn’t get the envelope open fast enough! Obviously, Prejean had the deck stacked in her favor going into this thing. Secondly, the fact that his panel looked at the pictures means absolutely nothing because it’s not like any of them were likely to overrule Trump in the first place. Can somebody please pass me a gas mask? The stench from all this “Trumped-up” bullshit is killing me!
While people and the national media state the scandal was due in large part to her comments against gay marriage, I believe there is an even greater controversy that Prejean, her pastor, her church and every Christian in America needs to respond to. This woman recently received a standing ovation from every member of her congregation during an appearance. What the hell were they applauding? Prejean blatantly lied and pissed on the pageant guidelines in her ruthless quest to become Miss USA! She clearly stated to pageant officials that she never took explicit photos. Excuse me, but The G-Man knows a pair of titties when he sees them, and those looked like titties to me! Thus, the congregation must have been applauding her for being a liar or having a great pair of tits. The last time I checked, lying and lust weren't very big on the "Christian" list. Prejean, her punk pastor and every member of the congregation that stood up all need to look in the mirror, check themselves, stop pimping God for their own purposes and act like real Christians. Yeah, I said it! If you have a problem with it, bring it to my blog! For the record, Satan had nothing to do with that previous comment. That’s The G-Man talking!
Fair is fair! Vanessa Williams was raked over the coals for her actions, and if Carrie Prejean is a true Christian, she will renounce her Miss USA crownimmediately!
In my honest opinion, Donald Trump has proved, without question, that he believes white people are to be held in high regard and not be judged on the same level as what some would call a “lowly nigger-bitch”. If Miss America officials, the national media and average citizens saw fit to strip and rip Vanessa Williams for hiding the fact that she took racy photos in the past, Trump should’ve had the balls and integrity to do the same in Prejean’s case. He can try to explain it six ways to Sunday, but the fact is there is no damn difference between the two cases. What he did was straight up fucked up, and I suspect he’s pissed off a whole lot of people, especially in the black community.
Donald Trump - Photo source - http://flickr.com/photos/flasporty/3265524444/ Photo date: February 6, 2009 Photo source: Michele Sandberg Permission: GNU Free Documentation License Vanessa Williams - Photo source: Sacredhands at en.wikipedia
Renowned Doctor Discusses Virus & Addresses Concerns
In an attempt to set the record straight about misconceptions regarding the swine flu, I requested an interview with Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D., one of the country's foremost experts on viruses and biological agents. Dr. Morse serves as Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness at Columbia University. His professional interests include epidemiology of emerging infections (a concept he originated), international cooperation for infectious disease surveillance, and defense against bioterrorism. Dr. Morse recently returned to Columbia from four years in government service as Program Manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of Defense, where he co-directed the Pathogen Countermeasures program and subsequently directed the Advanced Diagnostics program. Before coming to Columbia, he was Assistant Professor (Virology) at The Rockefeller University in New York, where he remains an adjunct faculty member.
G-Man:FOX News and MSNBC have featured medical experts who talked about the virus in standard medical jargon. I’d like you to break it down in layman’s terms so everyone will be able to follow you, doctor. What exactly is the swine flu?
Dr. Morse: The flu subtype called “H1” (after a key surface protein) has been found infecting both humans and swine. The notorious 1918 pandemic virus was a “swine”-like H1 flu. Its “offspring” circulated worldwide in the human population as the seasonal flu viruses, until H1N1 was displaced by the 1957 pandemic. H1N1 reappeared in 1977, and has been circulating (at low levels) in the human population since then.
Like humans, pigs can get the flu, and can sometimes carry the virus for long periods. H1N1 is one of the commonest subtypes in swine (as well as in wild waterfowl, which is where most influenza viruses usually live). The virus we’re seeing now is a variety of H1 that has not been identified before, in either humans or swine. It was called “swine” for convenience because it was clearly not a human H1 variety. However, further analysis of the virus suggests that it probably did originate in swine. Wherever it started, it is now spreading in the human population, from person to person. Most cases have been exactly like the usual influenza, but often relatively mild.
G-Man:Is it common for a virus to mutate from three different sources (like a pig, bird and human) or is this an anomaly?
Dr Morse: Yes. Flu viruses infect several different species of birds and mammals, and often swap genes. In this case, some experts believe that all, or most, of the viral genes have been in pigs for 10 years or more. This includes the avian (bird) origin genes in this virus, which have apparently been in pigs for all this time.
G-Man:What does the virus do to cause death?
Dr. Morse: We don’t know whether this virus is the one responsible for the deaths reported in April from Mexico. The virus grows in the upper respiratory tract. In general, only a small percentage of people infected with influenza may become severely ill and die. Usually, the people at greatest risk are the very young, the elderly or people with certain medical problems. Having the flu can cause additional stress on breathing and the heart that some of these individuals may not be able to withstand. Or some individuals may succumb to a secondary bacterial pneumonia after their respiratory tract’s defenses have been weakened by flu. More rarely, influenza itself can get into the lungs and cause a fatal pneumonia. In 1918, young, healthy adults also died, which is extremely unusual. We think death was caused by the body’s defense systems over-reacting and adding to the damage. Some scientists have suggested that secondary infections also played a role in these deaths, and may have been responsible in at least some cases.
G-Man:Students that were infected at St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens (NY) were treated and said to be doing well. They appeared to have a less severe strain. When looking at the cases in Mexico, could we be dealing with two different strains of the virus?
Dr. Morse: The St. Francis students appear to have recovered even without special medical treatment. What they had was a mild flu, just like the regular flu but with milder symptoms. The flu virus seems to be the same in California, Texas, and other places, where we’ve also been seeing mild disease so far. There were mild cases like this in Mexico, as well as the more severe. What caused the more severe cases – for example, changes in the virus or a different disease – is still being sorted out.
G-Man:Once a person becomes infected, how long do they have before the virus becomes potentially fatal?
Dr. Morse: Flu is only very rarely fatal. In fatal cases, the time it takes varies with the virus and the person. Most specialists recommend that people with very severe cases should get medication within 48 hours after onset of disease.
G-Man:If an infected person has other maladies, such as diabetes or hypertension, is the virus likely to attack their system, or possibly kill them, at a faster rate?
Dr. Morse: They may be at greater risk of death. Even then, only a small percentage of this group would die.
G-Man:If the infected person is on certain medications, could those meds counter the effects of the treatment(s) used to combat the swine flu?
Dr. Morse: Not usually, but it depends on the medications.
G-Man:The virus appears to be spreading rapidly throughout the country and the world. Honestly speaking, what percentage of the U.S. population do you suspect could be infected within the next six months?
Dr. Morse: It is currently impossible to predict. We can try to model (calculate) it mathematically, but there are too many variable factors for accurate estimates. In a pandemic, generally about 40-50 percent end up becoming infected.
G-Man:Is there any real way to contain this virus or track its origin?
Dr. Morse: Once it becomes available (in several months after the outbreak begins), vaccine will usually contain the epidemic. Until then, there are ways to reduce spread of the flu – stay home if you have an illness that feels like the flu, and, for those not yet sick, wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and try (if possible) to keep several feet away when someone is coughing or sneezing. In more severe situations, antiviral medication (like “Tamiflu”) can be given to the contacts (such as household members) of infected people to prevent further spread. This should usually be saved for situations where it will be most useful, to delay the virus’ developing resistance to the drug and to prevent depleting the supply of medications.
Tracking origin is difficult, but may be possible. We work backward to find the earliest cases, and if virus samples are available, compare the virus’ genes on a sort of “family tree” to see which is the closest to being the ancestor of the others.
G-Man:Michael Chertoff, former head of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as members of the 9/11 Commission, told members of the House and Senate that a chemical and/or biological attack by terrorists on American soil was “imminent”. Just last month, on April 22, CNN reported the following: “Missing vials of a potentially dangerous virus have prompted an Army investigation into the disappearance from a lab in Maryland. The Army's Criminal Investigation Command agents have been visiting Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, to investigate the disappearance of the vials. Christopher Grey, spokesman for the command, said this latest investigation has found ‘no evidence of criminal activity.’ The vials contained samples of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, a virus that sickens horses and can be spread to humans by mosquitoes. In 97 percent of cases, humans with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms, but it can be deadly in about 1 out of 100 cases.” Doctor, if terrorists were able to gain access to these vials, would it be possible for them to develop a variation of swine flu virus, or any other type, from the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus?
Dr. Morse: No. It’s theoretically possible, but extremely difficult, and it would be hard to ensure getting the desired results.
This June will mark the one-year anniversary of the death of broadcast journalism icon Tim Russert. Many people close to me know "The G-Man" was an enourmous fan and supporter of Russert and "Meet the Press", and I remain devoted to the show now that David Gregory is at the helm. Gregory is doing an admirable job, but there is a part of me that wishes Russert would walk onto the set one day, with that lovable smile and childlike enthusiasm he often displayed, and say, "Man! I really needed that extended vacation. It's great to be back!" I suspect there are many who wish for the same.
I published the following article a couple of days after death placed its icy grip on Russert's shoulder and said, "Well done, but now it's time to go." Writing it helped me come to terms with the fact that I lost someone whom I considered a mentor in the field of journalism. Now that the anniversary is fast approaching, I've decided to post it on this blog and give people another chance to understand why Russert meant so much to me, as well as countless Americans concerned about the political and social issues affecting this country.
On June 13, 2008, I logged on to the Internet to read my email on Yahoo. I followed my normal routine, which consisted of ignoring a few pop-up ads and perusing the top news stories of the day. I was in a public library when I suddenly gasped and placed my hand over my mouth. People looked at me curiously, but I offered no explanation for my outburst. I was far too busy trying to maintain my composure as my eyes remained fixed on a cover story photo of a journalism icon. I stared at my laptop screen for nearly four minutes, looking somberly into the blue eyes of one of the greatest men to ever grace a television screen, and quietly said, “No, Tim. No.” There, in big, bold, black font were the painful words “NBC’s Tim Russert Dead at 58”.
Shortly after the stunning announcement, network and cable news directors and producers across the country paid tribute to Russert and his amazing legacy as a broadcast journalist. Renowned figures from politics, sports, news and entertainment expressed great sorrow as they reflected on Russert’s passing. Sadly, a number of vicious comments were posted on the Internet after Tom Brokaw broke the devastating news to America on MSNBC. In a nutshell, the sorry, insensitive and crude sons-of-bitches claimed Russert “wasn’t all that” and that too much coverage was being devoted to the death of the 17-year host of “Meet the Press”. Well, I sincerely hope the networks will honor this man by continuing to share his accomplishments, both personally and professionally, for days to come. Given Russert’s phenomenal contribution to American politics and culture, it would be the least they could do.
I absolutely have no problem saying that I loved and deeply respected Tim Russert! In an era where goofy, stupid, self-centered, half-assed media whores and commentators posing as journalists flood network and cable airwaves, Russert symbolized what real journalism is supposed to be. I’ve only held five journalists in extremely high regard over the last 50 years or so: Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, the late Peter Jennings, PBS’s Charlie Rose and Russert. It was during my teens that I discover Murrow and Cronkite were journalism titans. I got hooked on Jennings and his “Canadian cool” as a student at Queens College in Flushing, New York. I’ve been inviting Rose into my living room every night at 11 p.m. for the last 10 years, and Russert made Meet the Press part of my religion and routine on Sundays.
These mavens of media had one major thing in common that drew me to them and made me a loyal fan: integrity! However, it was Tim Russert who stood out among them as the best in the business. If the “suits” over at NBC/MSNBC are smart they’ll never, never, never let another journalist put their grubby little hands on Russert’s now famous white eraser board. That would be completely sacrilegious, and no one will ever be worthy of such an honor. My love for Russert and Meet the Press stems from the fact that he was not afraid to shake up Washington D.C.’s, political establishment by asking the hard questions, and he didn’t stop until he got an answer. On a number of occasions, I often felt he’d come dangerously close to saying “Stop with the bullshit!” when politicians orforeign leaders were clearly lying to him and the viewers. NBC policy prevented that from ever happening, but if you ever looked at Russert’s face when the politician or foreign dignitary got caught in a web of lies, his expressions and mannerisms spoke volumes…and true, hardcore Russert loyalists like me loved it!
The death of Tim Russert cuts deep into the regions of both my journalistic and righteous core, but if The G-Man could manage to say one thing to honor this amazing, exceptionally prepared, spirited and lovable Irishman, it would be this. Mr. Russert, black America owes you an enormous debt. Many don’t realize it because they’re not into politics or have never taken the time to watch Meet the Press. As a result, there are black people all across the nation that missed the powerful and controversial one-hour segment that featured entertainer Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint, the renowned black scholar and psychologist.
They appeared to discuss a book they authored entitled “Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors”, and the duo cited significant problems within black communities and families, nationwide, and challenged them to wake the hell up, stand up and fight for a better way of life. They were nothing short of brilliant in their assessment of both the state of black America and what the outcome will be if immediate action isn’t taken. The G-Man knows you probably caught hell for wanting to present this issue to a predominately white audience, which was far from the norm for most Sunday morning political news shows. Still, you forged ahead and produced one of the greatest segments in the show’s history. The G-Man also knows that an intense love of family, namely the crucial role fathers play, is what drove you to tackle the issue head on when most white Sunday morning political news show producers and hosts would’ve hauled ass yelling, “Lose my demographic over this? Oh…hell…no!!!”
What you did that Sunday had nothing to do with politics, news or being the Managing Editor of Meet the Press. It had everything to do with what your father “Big Russ” taught you about the importance of family, as well as the legacy you left for your son Luke and your wife. You were trying to help my people, and millions of them missed out because of sheer ignorance or apathy. On behalf of those in black communities across the nation who saw the show and realized what your true objective was, thank you, thank you…thank you! Jesus! I’m going to miss you so damn much, Mr. Russert! The G-Man is wiping his eyes and saluting you, and all things Buffalo, with an ice-cold beer. It’s time to rest now, so sleep well in the House of The Lord.
Jacksonville, Florida - An online support community has been created for families and friends that have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. Laughatcancer.com, which was developed by the not-for-profit entity Laugh at Cancer Organization, Inc. (LACO), is a safe and rapidly expanding forum where people can share stories of triumph, offer remembrances of loved ones lost or openly discuss their daily struggle with the disease.
“I started out by creating a local chapter here in Jacksonville nearly four years ago, but I was unable to find a place to hold our meetings on a regular basis,” said Founder and President Crystal Kauffman, who is also waging a relentless battle with the disease. "In addition, many of the members were disabled and unable to attend the meetings. After partnering with Ning.com in Feb. 2008, I created the Laugh at Cancer (LAC) Support Community online."
According to Kauffman, the online community has grown significantly since it was launched, and its members, ranging from children and teens to the elderly, hail from many different parts of the world. Kauffman and Ning.com eventually teamed up to create the LAC Youth Support Community and the Pet Cancer Support Community to help cancer victims with specific needs. “Once someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are often filled with anxiety, fear and uncertainty about the future. Our mission is to help each member focus on living beyond cancer’s reach,” stated Kauffman.
In order to expand outreach efforts, Kauffman would like members of the medical and corporate community to list her organization in their databases for patients, families and employees. “I would like to extend an invitation to partner with these entities so that the best resources, for all types of cancers, can be provided to every LACO member. Our goal is to raise awareness and plant seeds of hope. Therefore, we encourage people to join us in our effort to help make a difference,” Kauffman concluded.
For more details about the Laugh at Cancer Organization’s support community call (904) 908-0995. You can also email or visit the following:
Global Scam Could Be Funding Terrorists or Sex-Slave Trade!
Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have held numerous hearings over the years to discuss what poses the greatest threat to national security. Officials from both the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) have testified that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons should be given top priority when assessing the threat. However, The G-Man believes there is one more "weapon" that the C.I.A., F.B.I., Congress and the Senate need to include as a topic of discussion during these hearings because they may pose a serious threat to national and global security: Internet dating sites!
I came to this conclusion after investigating an email I received from a dating site called "2Busy2Date.com." As hard as this may be for some of you to believe, I became a member for the sole purpose of gathering information for another article I was working on involving people in their 50's and 60's re-entering the dating scene. Most of the other sites I looked at charged a fee. This one was absolutely free, so I said what the hell. At any rate, the email was from a 25-year old black woman named "Cindy", who listed herself as a resident of New York City. Having just turned 46, I informed her that I was old enough to be her father and could only offer her friendship. She included her email address, cindy4one007@yahoo.com, and requested that I contact her to chat. I sent an email through her Yahoo address to say hello. The following is the actual letter I received 24 hours later.
"Good day to you, and how are you doing at the moment? I hope that you are fine indeed. As far me, I am cool and came over here from Kampala, Uganda, except for the mess which ups and downs of the earth has put me into. I have just read your email back, and I like your person in general. I would like to be with you in the nearest future, if God permits. Like I told you earlier, my name is Miss Cindy Mbaye from Kenya, in East Africa. I am currently residing here in refugee camp in Kampala as a result of the death of my parents. My late father, Dr. Colonel Patrick Mbaye, during my family's good-old days, was a well-known coffee farmer and vibrant politician before the rebels attacked our house one morning and killed my mother and father. It is only me that is alive now, and I manage to make my way to the nearby country, Uganda, where I am living now as a refugee through the help of the United Nations. My dear, if it will please your majesty, I would like to know more about you, such as your likes and dislikes and what your are doing presently. I will tell you more about myself in the next email. I am sending you here as an attachment with this email, my picture for you to see and know better, though I am not that photogenic. I hope you wouldn't mind? Hope to hear from you soon. Have a nice day! Yours in mind, Cindy."
Now, as you folks know, The G-Man is nobody's fool. This letter completely reeked of bullshit, and my initial reaction was to simply hit the delete button. Something told me not to, and I decided to follow up. I punched the father's name into the Google search box just to see what would come up. It came as no surprise to find several websites listing the alleged doctor's name and warnings of a major scam. What did come as a total surprise was what I found on one website, which was extremely disturbing, to say the least. This particular website not only warned of the scam, it posted the photos other women, with many different names, that were apparently from all over the world! Excerpts from emails sent by these "women", in English, African and Russian, just to name a few, were also posted. Many of the sites also displayed comments from men who were actually corresponding with the women for extended periods, and they noted the communication ended after they refused to send the women money to come to the United States to visit, live with or marry them. In an example of one of the more elaborate scams that was perpetrated, a bogus copy of the allegedly murdered father's/mother's death certificate was sent to unsuspecting victims to gain sympathy and trust.
An alleged copy of the slain parent's death certificate that was sent to unsuspecting victims.
It didn't take me long to realize that for every guy smart enough to steer clear of this setup, there is probably another who fell prey and relinquished his life savings in pursuit of what he believed to be true love or someone that really cared. If you don't think someone is capable of being that dumb, naive or gullible, don't forget that a large percentage of Americans voted to give George W. Bush a second term. There are millions of desperate and lovelorn people out there, especially men, and I'm willing to bet they'll never come forward and admit to being scammed because of anger and embarrassment. Globally speaking, there is no way of knowing just how many have been scammed or how much money has been or is being taken in on a daily basis. This is scary, but here's an even more frightening scenario. Given that this appears to be happening all over the world, it is more than possible that the money being obtained could be used to fund terrorists groups, human trafficking, the sex-slave trade or nuclear arsenals!
Human trafficking is a consideration because of the women being showcased in these photos. Who are they? Are they among the millions of women reported missing from all over the world? Are they being held against their will by the people or organization behind the scam and forced to take the photos? If they are common citizens, do they know their photos are circulating on the Internet and being used for criminal purposes? This is a serious global problem, but in order to reassure and protect Americans, the national media and federal authorities need to launch an official investigation. In addition, The Congress and Senate need to conduct hearings with top-level executives from the leading Internet dating websites in the country to find out what safeguards are in place to protect their customers and how these criminals might be stopped.
Some person or organization has set this up too intricately for me to believe it's just a small, backroom operation run by three guys in dark glasses and leather jackets. Someone has managed to infiltrate security systems of popular dating websites and create profiles with the intention of stealing private information, finances and identities. If they bypassed the security safeguards of the site I was registered with, it's pretty likely that eHarmony, Match.com and others are just as vulnerable and will be targeted at some point. For all we know, they already have and just aren't saying anything about it.
Note: The photos displayed in this article were all obtained during email correspondence with the alleged love interests. The mysterious woman known as "Cindy" is pictured in the first photo. The true identity of these women, how the photos were obtained and whether or not they know their photos have been posted on the Internet is a complete mystery.
ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FOX News, MSNBC and a host of other networks have been providing non-stop coverage of the “dramatic” rescue of Captain Richard Phillips by U.S. Navy Seals. Phillips has publicly expressed gratitude to the U.S. Navy and throngs of supporters who offered prayers during the ordeal. Commanding officers in the U.S. Navy have come forward to give media interviews about the drama at sea, and the people of Underhill, Vermont, the captain’s hometown, anxiously await the return of their hero. It’s a beautiful story and everyone in the country is rejoicing, right? Wrong!
I know I may become the most hated man in America after posting this commentary on my blog, but “The G-Man” could care less! I have a different position on the action taken by the U.S Navy and the order given by President Obama. While I am pleased that the boat captain was rescued and will be reunited with loved ones, I am deeply saddened to learn that the slain "pirates" were between the ages of 17 and 19. In my view, and anyone with an intense love for their teen(s) will agree, the victims were still babies and probably had no clue what they were getting themselves into. You want proof? Just look at the fact that the 16-year-old pirate surrendered peacefully to the U.S. Navy. More than likely, all four pirates knew they were in over their heads. They were probably scared shitless, but only the youngest had the courage to seek a way out.
I would offer that the only reason they hijacked the ship and took Phillips hostage was because they wanted ransom money to get food for themselves and their loved ones. Somalia is one of the poorest sections of the world, so it's no wonder that children and young men would be driven to such acts of desperation. When you couple this with the fact that rebel forces are either kidnapping or recruiting these kids, placing them into “pirate camps” and brainwashing them, it all begins to make sense as to why hijackings are steadily increasing and the pirates have become emboldened. In an attempt to survive and feed their families, they probably feel they have nothing to lose! America should understand this better than any nation on the planet because the same situation exists here.
The young pirates that were killed are no different from the "pirates" here in America, namely 'The Bloods', 'The Crips' and other lethal gangs whose members are as young as 12. They, too, are often driven to acts of desperation and crime as a means of survival after feeling all else has failed. Elders recruit them, too. They also take hostages when they sell drugs and force young girls into prostitution. They are also armed to the teeth and will not hesitate to use their weapons. Many of them also take the position that it's a matter of kill or be killed. The funny thing is, federal law enforcement agencies and cops across the country aren't taking out gangbangers with one shot. They simply help put as many as they can behind bars…. for as long as possible. As is the case with their African counterpart, gang members engage in tribal warfare in America by killing rival gang members. The social ills that have given rise to the pirates and U.S gangs are amazingly and frighteningly similar, and so is the fact that not much is being done to change their situation. This is why you have pirates roaming the seas and gangs roaming U.S. streets.
I understand the soldiers had a mission to fulfill. Once you raise your hand and take an oath, you do what you have to do. If grown-ass men want to act like they have no regard for human life or international law, then U.S. soldiers should do what they have to do. The G-Man totally gets that. What I don't understand is why no one in the American media, at the national or local level, is discussing the horrible and extreme conditions in Somalia, as well as other sections of Africa, that may have been the catalyst for this unfortunate event. What I don’t understand is why no one in America, including you Captain Phillips, has displayed any sympathy over the fact that three kids, who, again, may have been acting out of sheer desperation, or the result of brainwashing by rebels, had to die at the hands of U.S. Special Forces. President Obama has indicated that the pirate issue will be dealt with. Well, I have a question for you, Mr. President. The pirates have vowed revenge for the killing of their members. This being the case, if they start hijacking ships in record numbers, will you give the order for Navy Seals to shoot and kill 12 or 13-year-old pirates holding Americans hostage?
Obama Candidacy and Immigration Could Spark Race War
Note:This article was originally published in 2007. At that time, the article became the subject of intense ridicule and was dismissed by many, including the major media. Given the tragic events that took place in Pittsburgh, I don't think anyone will be laughing after reading this. Sadly, "The G-Man's" prediction seems to be unfolding.
I dedicate this commentary to Officer Eric Kelly, Officer Stephen Mayhle and Officer Paul J. Sciullo, all of whom were allegedly murdered by Richard "Pop" Poplawski, an avid supporter and member of the popular white supremacist group "Stormfront". I also dedicate it to all the officers recently killed.....as a result of hate.
After the attack on the World Trade Center, the Justice Department, which was led by John Ashcroft, issued a number of stringent policies to deal with terrorists and the threat of terrorism in the United States. Many of the policies set forth were submitted to the Congress, and they have come to be known as The Patriot Act. As a result, law enforcement agencies on many levels have been granted an enormous sense of power and authority in a never-ending attempt to thwart extremists and radicals from engaging in further acts of destruction on American soil.
While many in the country still fear that these newly imposed statutes will dismantle many of the rights granted to us in the Constitution, others, including myself, are fearful that the government is placing far too much focus on the "foreign" enemy and how they are classified. This is creating an extremely dangerous situation, and we are setting ourselves up to be grossly unprepared to deal with a homeland attack from organizations that harbor an intense hatred for certain racial groups and the United States government.
"Andrew MacDonald", a pseudo-name used by the punk-ass who obviously didn't have the balls to use his real name, William L. Pierce, wrote "The Turner Diaries", which is considered to be the Holy Grail of the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis and other militia groups here in the good old U.S.A. The book was published in 1978 by the National Alliance, a Nazi faction led by Pierce. Members of these groups interpret the book as a blueprint for the complete elimination of the federal government and every nigger, "wop", "gook", "Jew bastard", and “race-mixer”. It also outlines the methods of extermination, and how the members of these groups were going to infiltrate some of the highest levels of government to launch a national attack.
According to published reports, “The Turner Diaries has been around for more than 20 years. However, what made it famous was the destruction of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, on April 19, 1995. That date was apparently chosen to commemorate the death of the Branch Davidian sect in Waco, Texas, precisely two years earlier." Although there is no sufficient evidence to support that the attack on the Federal Building was linked to Pierce's work, many within these rogue organizations later noted that McVeigh was obsessed with The Turner Diaries. Representatives of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups acknowledged the bombing in Oklahoma City as the spark that would detonate the powder keg of racial hatred and anti-government sentiment in America. Instead, a funny thing happened. These groups made no moves, and I'll tell you why.
The Turner Diaries depicts an Armageddon waged against the races and the government, but it was not expected to take place until the New Millennium. Now, get ready everybody. What I’m about to say is no joke. We are in the seventh year of the new millennium, and given the racial, political, social and economic climate in the country at this time, it is my firm belief that many of these groups are positioning themselves for a strike. The fact that these groups have been eerily silent in recent years alarms me. What is even more disturbing is the fact that recent news reports and government studies indicate a significant increase in these groups all over the country. I just spoke to a friend of mine, and he told me his father said the Ku Klux Klan just started a major chapter in his area, which is Norfolk, Virginia. His father stated, and this is an exact quote, “This is how bad it’s getting. If I don’t have a gun on me, it’s probably because I’m in the shower!”
No specific reason has been cited for the rise in hate group membership, but The G-Man would argue the increase is being driven by three major components: Pierce’s legacy, the fact that a black man, a woman, or possibly a Jew could become the next President of the United States, and the immigration issue. With regard to Pierce, it’s all about loyalty to their leader, his teachings and the “white man’s cause,” which is to rid society of all mongrels and non-whites.
Secondly, “Karl the Klanny” or “Nazi Nancy” simply cannot bear the thought of having the country or their lives controlled by a lesser race, especially a lowly nigger. This was made evident in recent published reports in the New York Times and the Associated Press. Both ran stories about how Senator Barack Obama dramatically increased his security detail after receiving death threats via phone and email. They’d rather kill or be killed, and this would explain the dramatic increase in the rank and file and covert training camps.
Thirdly, many members admitted, in on-camera interviews with news agencies, to joining the group after losing their jobs to what they described as “wetbacks” and “spics” smuggling across the border to work for lower wages. For them, the hatred is based on race and economics, and the more government seems to favor illegal immigration, the angrier and larger these groups are likely become. As it stands now, these groups truly believe the country is in danger of being overrun with mulatto children, controlled by the Jews, and dominated by Hispanics and Indians, whom they refer to as “dot-heads” or “towel-heads” in the labor force. A Klansman noted in a recent CNN interview, “We have to protect the rights of the white man in this country, and we’re willing to do it by any means necessary! We have to save this country for our white kids and for the future of the white race!”
Regardless, these people mean business! Even former Louisiana Congressman David Duke’s white hood will pop out of his ass every now and then while speaking on CNN or MSNBC. We can no longer afford to sit back and laugh or dismiss these people when they gather, march or appear on television. There is too much happening in the country, socially, politically, and especially economically, to do that. The G-Man is dead serious! Did we learn anything from the assassinations of JFK, his brother Robert, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? The year 2008 will mark the 40th anniversary of the most traumatic and devastating period in American history, and in some strange and eerie way, situations may force us to revisit that point in time as the presidential election draws near.
There is documented evidence and video footage of these organizations in their training camps, allegedly preparing for "The Big Day". They even have their small children dressed in Army fatigues and toting pistols. Where have we seen those images before? Try those live satellite feeds from war-torn sections of Afghanistan, Africa and Iraq. How frightening is that? I mean, we’re talking about something that’s taking place deep in the backwoods of America folks!
There is a real danger that we are not taking these groups seriously enough, and surely they will capitalize, as McVeigh did. A few years ago, everyone slept on the fact that “Prussian Blue”, a racist and twisted version of the Olsen twins, shook the music scene to its very core after selling more than 900,000 copies of their hate-laced follow-up album in just one week! As the segment on ABC’s “Prime Time” illustrated, these little Hitler-clones had a substantial fan base, and it has not diminished. The duo, and their parents, laud The Turner Diaries, and they staunchly support the teachings and ideologies of Pierce. Hate groups have dubbed them the future leaders of “the revolution”. Not bad for two 14-year-olds, huh?
These groups are out there, and they are real. Moreover, the terrorism laws currently being enforced by the Justice Department are primarily focusing on men of Muslim or Middle Eastern decent. This is setting a dangerous precedent. There are plenty of other Timothy McVeighs and Turner Diary loyalists waiting in the wings, and Lord knows McVeigh certainly did not fit the Justice Department profile.
Yes, we are engaged in full-scale warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are utilizing every available resource to counter the efforts of more terrorist attacks in the United States. Nonetheless, The Turner Diaries, the alarming resurgence of the Klan and other white supremacists organizations, and the late Timothy McVeigh, are irrefutable evidence that the enemy is not only in Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran. The enemy is also…..within.
Photo Caption: The barefoot corpse of lynched Laura Nelson. Nelson and her son were killed on May 25, 1911, in Okemah, Oklahoma when she tried to protect him from a white lynch mob. If a supporter of a white supremacist group was willing to don a bullet-proof vest and murder police officers in cold blood, how long will it be before other members violently express their hatred for "non-whites", the federal government and other authority figures?
I’ve often wondered how I'd react if independent photographers, or those working for major media organizations like TMZ, had a camera in my face or up my ass 24/7. The paparazzi are quick to say that celebrities give up their private life when they become megastars, but I never subscribed to that bullshit. I strongly believe that everyone is entitled to his or her privacy, especially celebrities and their children. I’d probably lose it if hordes of photographers were camped out in front of my home every night hoping for the “money shot"
Knowing me, I’d hire a look-a-like to put a hood over his head and moon them from the bedroom window. They’re so stupid that they’d snap the picture and email it to their editor in a frantic effort to be the first to get it published; leaving me the opportunity to unleash a team of lawyers on their jackass bosses for falsely stating that I was the person in the photo. That’s one way to take them out, but I believe I’ve come up with a four-step plan that every celebrity should implement to shut these ass clowns down once and for all.
Step One:Noted stars such as George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Tobey McGuire, Will Smith and Spike Lee should come together, pool their money and resources, and form a major agency comprised of young, photojournalism graduate students from across the country.
Step Two:Once clearing a background check with local law enforcement, registering their name with the police department and signing an agreement that all photos taken are exclusively owned by the agency, the department would issue an official certification number linking the students to the celebrity-run agency.The department would strictly enforce the certification rule and exercise the right to check the credentials of all photographers at any given time or event.
Step Three:The students would be paid a handsome salary, which could be covered by donations from various celebrities associated with the agency or the movie/television studio the celebrity is signed to, and they would become the official photographers for all exclusive baby or family photos, casual outings, shopping sprees, movie premieres, awards shows and other special events. The agency would then release the photos to all major media publications and news outlets in and outside of the U.S.
Note: Here are two scenarios where the certification number becomes crucial. Agency affiliates could also be placed in front of celebrity homes to protect the stars’ privacy! If a members of the paparazzi appeared at the home or crashed a private event without having any agency affiliation or authorization, they could immediately be arrested, issued an excessive fine and/or jailed.
Step Four: Once the agency is up and running, the celebrities involved in its creation should request an opportunity to speak before Congress to address invasion of privacy issues in an attempt to have laws passed to protect them and their families from being stalked or pursued by the paparazzi on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis.
If these measures are taken, it could put an end to the hysteria and inherent dangers associated with the paparazzi. It is a fact that photographers were in hot pursuit of the late Princess Diana of Wales when tragedy struck. How many others have to die before someone finally says…. enough is enough?
Photo credit: David Shankbone, GNU Free Documentation License
A Poem Honoring U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan
The Ballad of Colonel Kelly, USMC
