What do Changing Seasons Tell Us about Our Future?

When we see leaves changing their colors from green to red and then orange we know autumn is approaching. When trees are in a barren state, winter is definitely upon us. After we’ve been consumed with cold weather for several months and flowers start blooming, spring has finally arrived and when days start getting longer and trees have welcomed green leaves again, summer has returned. These signs that all of us observe on a yearly basis are a certainty there’s going to be a change all around us, and we have counted on them for many years.

What about world events? What do those signs tell us and what does that have to do with our future? Just like changing seasons, they are very much related. By observing the situation you too can know exactly what’s transpiring, why it’s happening and what’s to come next.

Millions of years ago when Jesus Christ was on earth he was questioned about what signs to look for when it came to the conclusion of the system of things. Back then people were as curious as they are today about their future and what to expect; what we’re seeing is that prediction.

“… wars and disorders, nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; earthquakes, pestilences, food shortages, great necessity and wrath.” Luke 21: 9-11, 23

If you turn on the television and watch the news the Middle East is in an uproar. A year ago they were celebrating the ousting of Mubarak and today they’re back to square one. They don’t have democracy and freedom like they thought they would, and many say it’s worse than before. Israel and Palestine still haven’t come to any agreement regarding peace and are inching towards war. Iran is building nuclear weapons disregarding sanctions that will be placed on them. India already has them in case it’s attacked. North and South Korea have inner turmoil and Somalia massacres its own. Greece and Italy are in financial crisis and the people of London take to the streets and riot against police dissatisfied with the government’s policy. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq haven’t subsided though many troops are going to be withdrawn, and in the United States the occupation of Wall Street has extended to other states; countries have also joined in solidarity. The anger that people display is palpable because many have lost their jobs and homes, thus they’re desperate and unsure about what their future will bring. Everywhere you look people are marching, screaming, fighting in order to bring change.

Just like changing seasons and its signs, these are the signs we observe in a world that’s rapidly reaching a climax toward its end; more of us need to pay attention instead of focusing on bargains for this holiday shopping. It would be painfully sad to disregard what’s happening and when you do it’s too late. I think a person needs to put their priorities in order when it comes to their survival instead of storming into stores to buy gifts. Too many people are idyllically carrying on with their life because they say things have always been like this and will return to normalcy, but the reality is that won’t happen. Has anything improved since Obama took office and talked about change?

All of us are familiar with the Titanic, a ship that was supposed to be unsinkable, unfortunately that was far from the truth. However, the sinking of the Titanic didn’t come as a surprise like many thought. The captain was given several warnings about icebergs in the area and instead of heeding them, he accelerated the ship because he wanted to arrive earlier and make a grand entrance on his last maiden voyage since he was planning to retire. It really was his last.

The passengers were told to get to the lifeboats quickly and they chose to continue drinking and partying thinking they had more time and the situation really wasn’t that serious.  The sinking of the Titanic could’ve been prevented, but because of greed, pride and people being negligent and stubborn many lost their lives. We can say that the world is the Titanic and warnings are being given but many choose not to listen. Many holidays may come and go, so will Black Fridays and its mob of people, but with each year that passes there’s more disaster, heartache, elections of people not coming to an agreement, countries at war with each other, unemployment and people not being satisfied with their circumstances; it’s all a catalyst of  what was predicted long ago.

What Your Mirror Says About You

I’m always searching, looking and wondering why people do the things they do, what God must think of their behavior and how man can be so depraved. When a person is deep in their mire of depravity, do they ever stop to think about their actions? Of course not or else they would stop what they’re doing.

I’m the voice of the innocent that can’t speak for themselves, those who are raped viciously and sodomized without conscience by someone who violated their trust; that rag doll used for gratification to placate the appetite of someone degenerate.

I’m that child that looks at you before drifting to sleep; the one who senses their parent will never hurt them.

I’m also the elderly that takes a little longer to walk because their youth is gone, their strength has left them and despite being frail they’re wise beyond their years.

The nurse that holds your hand when you’re in the hospital, the doctor who reassures you that everything is going to be okay, the fireman that comes to your rescue, the cop that guides your way and the teacher that stands before her class looking at the future.

I’m the prosecutor that sternly looks at the jury pleading the case of a victim and the judge who brings down the gavel condemning you for a merciless crime.

The cry of injustice is what I write about; the triumph of individuals is what I bring to the table and the endless questions of why people are wronged, of better days to come and a future with hope. I write articles many may not want to hear or turn away from because they’ve been calloused by the system.  However, a person should never let themselves get too obstinate because they never know if something they read puts things into perspective.

How far into the day or night have many of us ventured looking for something better in our own imagination or literally? Lovers and married couples with that one last look or dance, teenagers partying and laughing carrying on oblivious to the consequences, people going to work though they hate their job knowing they have to feed their family, those unemployed who continue to hit the pavement come out empty and say that interview will be their last when they know that’s not true, and beggars in the street asking for a handout putting aside their pride and what others may think of them. “Get a job,” I hear many say. Their look of dejection speaks volumes. It’s at that moment I feel for them because we really may not know their circumstances and it takes a lot to walk in front of traffic knowing people will not give you anything and think the worse of you. This is your world and mine.

The United States who preaches military service doesn’t realize that many who are homeless are Veterans. Many of those so-called bums served in the war. Don’t you think they’re being a bit hypocritical in their stand? Are they only good enough when they’re serving their country, have the uniform on, and aren’t broken? Is an elderly only good enough when they’re young and when they start getting older discard them? Is a person less of a man or woman if they don’t have a limb?

I don’t doubt for a minute that people are as disgusted as I am when they hear about someone who’s been wronged or mistreated, and I know deep in my heart that everyone wants the best for each other or else that would classify you as being as bad as the rest, but I hope next time we’re quick to think wrong of someone, we stop in our tracks and remember what that says about us. The prominence of the person at one time doesn’t negate who they are.

Help an elderly crossing the street or check on them and see if they need anything. Come to the aid of a child especially if you see an adult taking advantage of them, and don’t forget to give to those that can’t pay you back, it incenses me to know that people do favors thinking the person owes them. If you’re going to have that attitude, don’t do it.

The Town Crier writes about your triumphs, pain, daily living, survival, and hope that all of us desperately need. I enjoy being on my soapbox and refuse to get off.

The Betrayal of a Man

I sat there looking at the news and saw how Joe Paterno’s son was saying he wished his father was there for the last game of the season. Huh? What did he just say? I couldn’t believe this grown man was crying when he said that, and it was all because his father wasn’t able to attend. I’m not trying to be sarcastic but did he realize his father didn’t say anything over something he knew many years ago? In other words Joe Paterno was as guilty as Jerry Sandusky for remaining quiet and permitting this to go on longer. I know a lot of people will say let it go already but that’s just an excuse so no one talks while pedophiles continue molesting children. I’m not going to let it go.

It makes me sick to see men like that cry over a game, oh boo hoo. If anything he should be crying about his father being an accomplice to child abuse. He should be embarrassed and disgusted. I would if it would’ve been my father. The gall to think you can just cry over what happened and everyone’s supposed to feel sorry for you because your father who was a winning coach wasn’t at the game. It was his own fault he wasn’t there.

What about the victims? Who cried for them the first time it happened and they stood there wondering what was going on?  Who cried for them when they were being led to the showers and touched in places they never dreamed of? Who cried for them when they were being sodomized? Who cried for them when their whole demeanor changed and they knew they would never be the same again?

We’re Penn State; really? Yes I know everyone hugged, got down on their knees and there was a moment of silence for the victims; just a moment of silence for years of suffering and abuse? Were they kidding or what? Try telling that to the victims and the families that are going through this pain. They would probably tell you to keep your moment of silence and give back the childhood that was stolen, but that’s not possible is it, because it was stolen by a pervert.

We're Penn State? Really? I think they need to think about that statement because after the way they behaved defending those involved, does that mean they're all a bunch of perverts?

These predators and pedophiles that go around abusing and taking advantage of children think they can hide behind organizations and their own persona, then say they didn’t do anything and people are supposed to believe them. They’re a disgrace. The sad thing is many know what’s happening but don’t report it because their job may be in jeopardy. The ones that are courageous and bold enough to take them on corroborate with the child that they were seen performing a sexual act.

Joe Paterno isn’t new to child abuse, he’s just one of many that knew something and didn’t reveal it so because of that his image is tarnished. I can no longer see him the same way I did before though I never cared about college football, and I don’t think anyone can hear the name Penn State and not think of the child abuse scandal that happened there where no one said anything including the famous Joe Paterno.

When I was sitting in my room yesterday I thought about all those people who were attending Penn State when that happened; I wondered how they feel knowing they were paying a school that permitted that to happen. I know they didn’t know so it’s not like they could do anything about it, but I would be angry that I too financed that institution.

All of us can see that people are not willing to put up with it anymore and a person needs to continue talking about it. If you stop, they win, thus talk and talk some more because the more focus on it the better it is for victims to know pedophiles are being cornered everywhere they are.

Penn State’s Shame

This week what many of us have been saying about child abuse and always falls on “deaf ears” exploded, the scandal at a prestigious university such as Penn State has everyone up in arms over what happened to children ten years ago. It’s abhorrent and repulsive to know that a grown man was involved in this type of behavior and worse other grown men were aware of it and did nothing. They cared more about football than saving the very ones who were toys in the hands of a monster or monsters, because it’s been said that Jerry Sandusky was pimping out young boys to rich donors.

Jerry Sandusky founded The Second Mile for underprivileged children. The boys went on trips and special occasions his charity offered, but that’s not the only thing they did; he would later take the boys to the showers and touched them engaging in sexual relations with boys as young as eleven years old. His aberrant behavior changed the lives of many who were made to feel special at one time and later became prey to this monster. He took their innocence away and they will never be the same. Despite the fact he claimed to feel bad about what happened, the only thing he feels bad about is he was caught.

Pedophiles Tactics

The pattern is always the same when it comes to how they operate. Their focus is on children and how to get close to them. They go for those that are underprivileged or may lack what many do. They find ways to accommodate them and impress them with gifts and trips. He knew Penn State University was famous and imposing; children having impressionable minds fell for what he said especially if they were receiving things they never had before. The boys saw him as someone they trusted and helped them out, and since he knew that, he took advantage of their naiveté. The heinous acts this man committed were abominable so why are Penn State students so upset? Have they read everything that went on?

Students Questionable Behavior

Everyone knows that Joe Paterno took on a football team and had a record of winning games, there’s a statue of him on campus and everyone says he’s Penn State; he even goes by JOE PA. Regardless of his echelons when it came to his career, he disregarded the conduct of a member in his team and what he was doing. Did he ever stop to think that was someone’s child? Would it have mattered if it would’ve been his grandchild?

The students seem to have a problem that Joe Paterno was fired, but is that really all that’s to it? Do they know that Joe Paterno said, “He knew about an incident years ago but didn’t report it?” Is it also because it shatters the appearance of a university that permitted child molestation to take place? Their aggressive and violent behavior doesn’t help matters. It’s a slap to the victims that went through this horrendous experience and it’s also extremely immature to be in college and act this way.

Cover-up

I agree with the trustees who fired Joe Paterno. If students have a problem with that it’s too bad, they need to pay attention to the fact that he never said anything when he knew something. Though it may seem like it’s a popularity contest about a person and institution, it involves lives of others that are forever changed; they need to get a grip with reality and stop being so senseless and superficial, or they’re just as bad as the ones that abused and remained silent. I don’t know how men like that can sleep at night, nor do I know how people who stand by them have the conscience to go on with their merry life as if it doesn’t affect them. Unfortunately all of us know that the name of the game is not only football but MONEY and that’s what was buying silence. Nevertheless, those children grew up and opened Pandora’s Box about what happened to them. The staff at Penn State never saw that coming but it happened and just like them there are many pedophiles that are doing the same thing.

I hope this serves as a lesson to all who think they will never get caught; yes you will, it’s just a matter of time; people do get suspicious and sooner or later someone’s going to start talking, don’t forget children grow up and become adults; they’re no longer afraid of you and you’re no longer an intimidating factor in their life; the masks fall and the world then sees who pedophiles are even in a prestigious university.

The Voice of the Innocent

Whenever you think of a child what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think about how they run, play and are full of energy? Do you think about their endless questions, their adventurous attitude in doing things you would’ve never thought of, or do you see your own children and are amazed and impressed at how bright they can be?

Whenever you think about child abuse what comes to your mind? Do you shun it, not try to think about it and avoid the fact that an adult is abusing someone who can’t defend him/herself?  Do you ever think that because a child is being abused they will never be the same again and may have to go through hours and years of therapy? Do you also think they will suffer when it comes to their own self-image and relationships?

Effects on Children

Children who are sexually abused are confused and don’t have anyone to turn to especially if they’re young. If it’s a family member abusing them they wonder why they’re doing that. Is that what love feels like? If it’s a neighbor and they’re being abused, is that what playing’s all about? With each individual who abuses them they’re sworn to secrecy. “No one has to know what we do; it’s our secret.” Sexually abused children are made to feel they have to keep quiet about something that doesn’t feel right and sometimes they’re even threatened if they say anything. However, if it’s supposed to be right why do they have to keep quiet, not tell anyone and why does it feel so wrong?

Regrettably this subject is one people choose to stay away from and what happens is the community thinks those in authority and prestige are upstanding citizens. That’s far from the truth. Who ever said that money and prestige meant you were a moral person, and how many times has a person been wrong about another’s character? Some of the most corrupt people are those that have money and prestige and not everyone is who you think they are.  Just because you have a haven and charity for children doesn’t mean you’re not a predator, nor am I saying those who do, are, but you have to be careful to think that anything an adult does for a child is because he or she has good intentions.

Penn State

For many years Penn State has been an outstanding university because of its record when it comes to football. Now I can say that squeaky clean image has been tarnished because that university allowed one of its staff members to molest children ten years ago.  This week a scandal broke out on Penn State University over the defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky who was sexually abusing children ten years ago. Yesterday a ninth victim also accused him. How many more were abused and are silent remains to be seen.

Jerry Sandusky put a charity together years ago to help children and many believe that was a subtle way of getting close to them. It’s too bad he like many, do this to satisfy their lascivious behavior, it’s also unconscionable if anyone knows what’s going on and they don’t say anything they’re enablers to a crime. I feel for the victims and their families they didn’t pick up on what was really behind his charity work. We may never know all who were involved in what was happening, but though they may have a stellar record of winning games they also have one that screams “child molestation.”

Fall from Grace

Joe Paterno who was the coach of the football team for many years is resigning after this season; more than anything he was probably asked to go. After I heard that his news conference was cancelled I knew there was trouble. Jerry Sandusky was coordinator of the team he coached so it happened under his watch. I’m not saying he knew everything about his colleague’s personal life, but I doubt he didn’t know something about his friend’s behavior. It’s hard for me to believe or accept that something’s going on for that amount of time with children and no one knows anything about it, especially a charity that Jerry Sandusky founded. Were children objects tossed around for this man’s sexual gratification? It’s obvious they cared more about football than they did children. They didn’t think what that was doing to the child and should be ashamed of themselves, therefore because of their negligence and behavior they need to be removed.  

I know many people went to Joe’s house and let him know they stood with him. I think he’s so embarrassed over what happened he doesn’t know what to do. He may also feel guilty or blame himself that he could’ve done more.  If he didn’t know anything then he’s exonerated but if he knew at least something about Jerry Sandusky and what he suspected was going on, he should’ve said something, and if he knew and didn’t, he shouldn’t wait until the season’s over but retire now. There’s no excuse for that even at the cost of winning football games. Think of your own child, how would you feel?

The Truth about Teaching

The alarm rings and you’re ready for another day not knowing what to expect; the years have gone by and many personalities have come your way. There are times you wish you had decided on something else but what your heart held was something you knew you had to do; such is teaching as I would say and many have other opinions but just like there are many doctors, the same applies with teachers.

Many teachers say they love their job and others reserve their comment. However, if teaching were all it’s cut out to be, you wouldn’t have so many leaving the profession or realizing that isn’t what they thought, get hit with an eraser or punched in the face? When a student goes at them and treats them like dirt, when vicious words come out of the very one they’re trying to teach, when you go into a classroom and see students jump from one desk to the other and realize you have to have a little more patience than yesterday remembering those students are mentally challenged, or when the strawberry on the cake is having a parent that thinks he/she can throw their weight around forgetting their child may be a mess and just may be driving the teacher insane, that’s the reality of teaching. These are the real stories, the stories that some may not want to talk about because they may be admitting defeat, but there’s no defeat in honesty and there’s definitely no defeat when you have to deal with a child on a daily basis that’s been raised to be disrespectful as many are today.

In private, colleagues talk to each other about who did what, who doesn’t want to do what their supposed to and what teacher got hurt. They also talk about whom to keep your eye on and who are the future convicts or thieves.

I have read wonderful happy go lucky stories about teaching and wonder what planet they’re on and my congratulations to those that have such exceptional students; I’m not saying there aren’t, but let’s be real and not fool ourselves. Then again what grade level are you talking about and where exactly do you teach? You’re not going to compare elementary to one that comes from the hood, has already seen death at an early age, been around parents that are poor role models, have drugs for dinner, neglect their children and care more about how they look and hitting the street.

Those are the ones that come to school and take out their anger and frustration on the one that’s trying to educate them or worse when they’ve been subjected to abuse, incest or the teacher is doing a good job of teaching but in a more personal way. So why isn’t this put on the table? Why isn’t it thrown out there as raw as a piece of meat or injury so that everyone can see that’s also the reality of education and may be the main thing people steer clear of. Why do so many fail to mention that the ones who claim to love students make thousands a year and care more about their paycheck than a child’s education? That’s also a reality that many cities are facing and they fair badly thinking they can bring someone to replace another when the situation is so widespread it’s become an epidemic; a rotten apple spoils the whole bunch and so does a rotten mentality. I think those who are in charge of school systems need to get their act together and stop believing a change in administration means everything will be okay. Please don’t insult our intelligence; maybe they’re the ones who need to be educated.

Chaz and Dancing with the Stars

Yesterday I was watching “Dancing with the Stars” and saw when Chaz was eliminated. I’m not going to say I agree with the decision he made because it’s not my place to decide for him. I will say I don’t agree with the judges being so offensive. It almost seemed as if they were repulsed every time he got in front of them and decided they were going to reprimand him.

I have a problem with Bruno and his metaphors. He can be extremely cutting when he gives his comments. I think he forgets he flares up and throws his arms in the air with his crooning voice and no one says anything. I also think Len forgets he was young at one time and what may be behind all his fault finding is envy towards the dancers. And I think that Carrie Ann who found Maks disrespectful towards Len has forgotten the times that Len AND Bruno have disrespected the rest. She’s also guilty of doing the same thing. The only time she gave Chaz a better score and cried after tearing him apart the week earlier was when Cher was in the audience, thus I don’t believe anything that comes out of her mouth.

Chaz proved his point whatever he was trying to prove. He said teens could be whatever they want. I know he didn’t mean teens could go on a show and be mocked, rejected and made out to look like fools for a decision they made. I think he didn’t mean that. I don’t think he ever had a chance. People made their mind up from the beginning and they weren’t going to change it.

What I saw in “Dancing with the Stars” was a show that was full of hypocritical people all vying for the first place. I know JR said, “Everyone wants to win but no one wants it more than I do.” Yeah okay. Try telling that to the rest that practice endlessly pushing their body just to learn the dance; I think that statement was wrong.

I know it’s a dancing competition but we also know that people have favorites and no matter how bad they dance, they’re voted in. I also believe the judges have their favorites and sometimes the person’s title means a lot to them. They may as well rename it, “Voting for Your Favorite regardless of how they Dance.”

Ricki Lake is a very good dancer and her personality makes you warm up to her. Nancy Grace is a prosecutor and the judges respect her for that. However she proved to be ruthless when she told Tristan if anyone had every told him he sounded like a troll. Tristan who’s the new kid on the block didn’t say anything; I was embarrassed for him. Hope Solo is an athlete that’s not sexy enough in their eyes. They even told Maks to teach her how to walk. Who’s being disrespectful?

Rob Kardashian is just wonnnnnderfullll; his mom and sisters are there in the audience and you can always hear one of them yelling out to the judges what score to give him. I’m sure he has a lot of people that vote for him, but as much as I try to see what they do, I can’t seem to find it. I wish he would stop saying he’s not a man yet because people will start to see him like a mama’s boy and not give him any credit. One day Cheryl Burke even called him a boy; pretty embarrassing.

I don’t think much of Arquette; many people think he’s funny, the judges like him, go figure.

This year “Dancing with the Stars” tried to show everyone they’re inclusive and they only did that for ratings. It was the same bickering you always have with the same dance routines and boring songs. I didn’t find anything interesting about ballroom dancing because one pretty much knows what to expect.

The only thing I hope if Chaz learned anything is not be in a situation where you’re a public display of indirect verbal abuse; you will have to endure weeks of ridiculing and insults from people you don’t even know, have met for the first time and will probably never talk to again. Didn't he know that's what he was going to get? He was the only one that never really lost any weight and it’s because of all the tension he was in. If you’re going to go on a show and go through that you may as well say, “No thanks.”

As a society people have become extremely mean spirited and cold. They will go to the extreme to hurt you if they don’t agree with you. The days are gone where a person thought before they talked. Now it’s at all cost and no mercy. The result of that has been people have gotten killed and we need to step back and see if our behavior is aggravating the situation or helping it. We are accountable for our actions and I don’t care if you’re a judge like they said; they don’t have a right to tear someone apart and think their words don’t have an effect on the person.

Are you doing everything in your power to be kind to others or do you get online and type brutal and disparaging remarks about someone else, someone you don’t even know? Are you guilty of the same thing and talk down to another person just because you may not like them? Have you ever thought that could be you? How would you feel?

I know no one wants to have someone else’s blood on their hands...