"Slinging Stones..." Blog by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

A Closer Look at SOPA Pt. 2 of 2 by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

             A Closer Look at SOPA Pt. 2 of 2 by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Last week’s title in Part 1, the Blacking out of Websites to oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was briefly talked about and suggestion made to familiarize oneself with SOPA, House Bill 3261. On today and as we conclude Part 2, we will take a look closer at SOPA. With societies, their economies and entire ways of life becoming more and more dependent upon the Internet and cyber space, it seems logical to create a law(s) to stop or combat piracy; after all, we are in the information age. First, let me establish the fact that I am not an attorney. Now, with that said, let us begin.

What is Piracy? Surprisingly, SOPA did not provide a definition of Piracy. As I looked at SOPA, theft of, the altering and/or counterfeiting of that which one does not own or rightfully possess are terms and that which I derived the word Piracy to mean under SOPA.

8 Points as to why I feel we need to be concerned about combatting piracy and the creation of laws to protect all and especially the rights of creators of creative works and intellectual properties, as well as and his/her creative works and intellectual properties?  

1. We are charting new territories in a new millennium – the Internet and cyberspace- both in and outer space. Do you have the wherewithal to track and locate those who have committed acts of piracy?
2. Foremost, there is a failure in and lack of laws that effectively protect the rights of and combat Online Piracy for the individual and his/her creative works and intellectual properties.
3. Online Piracy will directly and indirectly affect each of us individually and collectively, from national and global standpoints.
4. SOPA is an acknowledgement that there is a need to stop online piracy and can and should open dialogue.
5. Concerns, comments and meaningful dialogue from individuals, groups, businesses and other interested parties with Congress can provide Congress with clearer understanding and necessary elements for which to craft the most proficient bill for the protection and combatting of Online Piracy and best suits, all.
6. Each and all are and will be held accountable for his/her actions online, if held accountable, should you not become versed or knowledgeable of that which you will be held accountable?
7. Our creative works and intellectually property rights are at stake; should we not have a stake in knowing how to protect self and our creative works and intellectually property rights, as well as how to avoid infringing and/or pirating others’ rights?
8. If there are no laws and/or they fail to combat online piracy and protect the creator’s creative work and intellectual properties, many entrepreneurs will suffer; mostly the sole entrepreneur and small businesses.

Purpose of Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) as stated in Bill 3261: “To promote prosperity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation by combating the theft of U.S. property, and for other purposes” (Thomas. LOC).

 Stop Online Privacy Act – The major positions of Proponents and Opponents appear to be: 

• Proponents want to combat online piracy and protect both the rights of creators of and their creative works and intellectual property rights.
• Opponents view SOPA as an infringement of their 1^st Amendment Rights.

Let us now look at the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA):

First, some opponents claim that SOPA is an infringement of their rights under the 1^st Amendment, but I did not view their reason(s) as to how? Under SOPA, SEC. 2. SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES. (a) SAVINGS CLAUSES.—(1) FIRST AMENDMENT, it is stated, “nothing in this Act shall be construed to impose a prior restraint on free speech or the press protected under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution” (Thomas. Loc).

 Second, some opposing statements are flawed and/or hypocritical:

• Some claim that under SOPA sites will be shut down; they do not acknowledge the process under SOPA, should such become necessary. Yet, some web host(s) of present websites and/or platforms will shut one’s site down or block the site without any advance notice or reason(s) forthcoming.
• Another claim is that SOPA is ambiguous; it is, but most laws, policies and Terms and Conditions are. I think many within the general public would concur that ambiguity exists under the Terms and Conditions of host sites or most professional online sites, as well, if they read them.
• Some make it a point to place emphasis on foreign piracy; piracy exists in abundance here in the United States (intentionally and unintentionally). SOPA covers both domestic (US) and foreign online piracy.
• If SOPA will not, then, what law will protect the rights of creators of and their creative works and intellectual property rights online? Presently, after some website transmit intellectual property to third parties, the website that transmitted the intellectual property’s responsibility and according to them, liability cease. The third party may be able to utilize one intellectual property as it chooses and even sell it without your knowledge or payment for use. These issues and Online Piracy will have to be addressed and laws created to protect the rights of creators of creative works and intellectual properties and their works.

 After having briefly viewed SOPA, and I could be mistaken, but I have ascertained:

 Advantages or Pros:

• A Lawmaker saw a need to stop online piracy and set about to create a law to respond to and combat online piracy.

 Disadvantages or Cons:

• SOPA is ambiguous and at this point, confusing and not well crafted.
• Such terms under SOPA, as “Piracy,” and “Streaming” have not been defined or clearly defined. SOPA’s Purpose concludes with “…and for other purposes.” What other purposes? Are those “other purposes” stated within SOPA or not stated?
• Under SOPA, TITLE II—ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS TO COMBAT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. THEFT. SEC. 201. STREAMING OF COPYRIGHTED WORKS IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL LAW. (a) TITLE 17 AMENDMENTS.—Section 506(a) of title 17, United States Code, has been amended. See (a) CRIMINAL INFRINGEMENT,1A.,B and C. When one views Paragraph 2 under the same section, this clause is confusing, because infringement of copyright even with evidence, here “…shall not be sufficient to establish willful infringement of a copyright” (Thomas. LOC). Will SOPA then have failed to protect and combat piracy for the individual creator and his/her creative works and intellectual properties while online and/or on the computer?
• SOPA in its ambiguity is subject to Discretionary Interpretation; by whom?
• Under SOPA, violators may need only claim they acted in good faith to be absolved of violations and/or granted immunity?

Why I feel we need to be concerned with combatting piracy and the creation of laws to protect all; especially creators of and their creative works and intellectual properties? I speak from experience:

1. Individuals have hacked into my computer and uploaded my files while I have been sitting in front of the computer working offline.
2. Individuals have changed words and letters in documents both while I was on the computer, offline. The same occurred with some blog posts, before and after having uploaded them to my blog sites online. The tampering has become so injurious; I am not able to take online courses.
3. Individuals have intercepted online documents and emails; the tampered documents caused serious repercussions.
4. These individuals can view one’s computer in remote (not necessarily of any great distance outside one’s home) locations and pirate one’s intellectual properties before I could upload them to the Internet. They do not think anything can be done to them and/or for their actions, legally.
5. My intellectual properties have been illegally copied and set up on duplicate sites. In fact, my blog posts on one of my blogs were unlawfully pirated on an app. I went to the site to find that it was for sale. I then went to the site which it appeared it was being sold. The website purchasing company clearly states, they are not responsible or liable for what they purchase and do not necessarily check for validity of the purchased property.

 

Without laws to protect one’s creative works and intellectual properties, it is difficult to impossible to sustain, not to mention obtain an income from the labor and creation of one’s intellectual properties.

Solutions:

America, we are in a new millennium, we need an educated society and such entails knowledge and understanding of the laws in order to govern self and assist others with upholding and obeying the laws. First, individuals are prohibiting from going to law school to learn and practice law and then we punish people when they violate laws which they did not know existed. May I suggest Congress rectify this situation by starting with Online Piracy. Many acts of piracy are unintentional; many within the general public do not have knowledge of what constitutes infringement or piracy of intellectual properties. Facts sheets and tutorials would greatly assist with this effort.

Consider putting your difference aside and working to assist Congress with crafting a SOPA Bill that creates a win-win situation for all; after all, we are not first in the world from a technological standpoint or skills.

 In concluding, someone in Congress saw a problem and decided to work to resolve the problem. Often, we blame Congress for the opposite. Perhaps, the Stop Online Piracy Act has been crafted as is, because those doing the crafting do not have the necessary skills to effectively complete the bill. Not to be facetious, but you do not want to wait until it becomes overwhelming and imperative for Congress to write a SOPA bill that will affect and effect all of us and the economy both nationally and globally.

 If Congress fails to create a law(s)  to stop or combat online piracy and protect creators’ creative works and intellectual properties and creators’ rights under that law(s), we will not be successful and will fail “to promote prosperity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation… fully, online.

 It might also be a good time to brush up on “How a bill becomes a law?”

Note: the above citations are from Stop Online Piracy Act House Bill 3261. 112th Congress 1^st Session H.R. 3261.  Bills-112hr3261ih-gpo.gov.pdf. 19 Jan 2012. 

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

 

Blacking out of Websites to oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Blacking out of Websites to oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Your site, your prerogative, but what will businesses and entrepreneurs think about your business’ tactics of a black out? Can you afford to give customers and clients a reason to begin looking for alternatives to doing business with your company? The opposing positions and reasons stated to justify opposition of the bill do not appear logical and in a number of cases, juxtaposed arguments are illogical. I find many of the statements of those in opposition of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) self-serving and hypocritical.

We are charting uncharted territories and some have become pioneers of the New Millennium. We can resort to or continue some of the tactics of the 19^th and20th Centuries, which entail fighting among ourselves; throwing out the baby with the bathwater, crying foul and moving companies to other countries to lose business, but rest assured others will gladly replace you and keep moving ahead.

Societies, their economies and entire ways of life continue to become more and more dependent upon the Internet and cyber space, yet, we argue as to whether laws should be created to and enforce the prevention of piracy?

For those of you who have not heard about SOPA, the Act is House Bill 3261and can be found at the Library of Congress- Thomas link, below. See the Note below, if the link does not work.

A better understood synopsis of the bill and positions for and against SOPA can be found at Wikipedia; the link has been listed below as well.

Suggestions:

• First, look up the definition of “Piracy.”
• Second, click on the first link above- See if you can find the definition of “piracy” as defined within House Bill (or H.R.) 3261 and scroll through this law before your eyes begin to glaze over.
• Third, click on the second link above and view at least one position for the bill and one in opposition.

In Part II., we will look at some of the pros and cons of SOPA; draw some points; conclusions and suggest some solutions.

Now, as for blacking out those websites- as stated before, your website, your prerogative,  but may I caution; at the speed in which the Internet continues to grow; your site’s blackout may result in your customers and clients forgetting that you exist, looking for an alternative or worse, discovering they no longer need or desire your services.

Links for sites about SOPA mentioned above:

    The Library of Congress.Thomas.http://thomas.loc.gov/cgibin/query/D?c112:1:./temp/~c112PzlyqQ:b0:. 16 Jan 2012.  Note: Should this link have expired, click the home page: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php and under Legislation in Current Congress, Search Bill and Summary Status-  select Bill Number and type in H. R. 3261 and hit the search button. It should bring up the SOPA Bill.

    Wikipedia.org. Stop Online Piracy Act. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOPA. 16 Jan 2012.

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

 

Holiday Tips for Retailers – Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Pt. 2. By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Holiday Tips for Retailers – Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Pt. 2. By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Last week, tips were offered to Retailers to enable them to consider utilizing business products and employees to their best advantage in Holiday Tips for Retailers PT.1. The holiday has come and departed and now you face returns, refunds and exchanges of merchandise.

Hopefully, store merchandise is now better coded in an effort to make returns an easier process. On today in Holiday Tips for Retailers Pt. 2 - Returns, Refunds and Exchanges, eight (8) strategies are being offered for your consideration during holiday return of merchandise by customers.

• Have after Christmas sales merchandise items marked down and visible; the closer to the return departments or cashiers’ counters, the better. Many will be spending some if not all of their refund monies.
• Have your best and most knowledgeable customer service representatives or sales associates on the job.
• A pleasant return of merchandise experience can determine whether the customer will exchange merchandise and/ or make additional purchases in the store.
• Long waits are not good; they reduce the time people will want to remain or spend monies in your store once refunds are received.
• If there is not an effective, efficient and speedy automated process for the return of untagged merchandise, have runners on hand to track merchandise, look up prices and assist customers. Be just as accommodating after the holiday as before!
• Most have incorporated this strategy, but I will repeat it, again. Separate those returning merchandise with receipts from those who do not- the worst practice is to keep customers with receipts in line and waiting behind those who do not have receipts.
• Sales Associates, “copping an attitude” or becoming frustrated because you cannot locate comparable merchandise for codes and/or price the merchandise is not conducive. You should know your merchandise and prices. If you do not and the merchandise belongs to the company, the company would be wise to accept the return at a fair exchange or refund rate until it provides a better system for these type returns.
• Finally, should customers return merchandise, desire exchanges and the merchandise cannot be found within your store, offer and attempt to locate it at one of your other stores. I would like to think that stores now have a more updated merchandising process for determining product or merchandise availability at all locations. In many instances and from customers’ standpoint, such actions place you and your store a cut above other retail merchants. It sends a message to the customer(s) that he/she is valued.

In conclusion; I have found that most customers simply wanted to be treated fairly. Consider – how would you wish to be treated if you were the customer?

Happy New Year!

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Note: During Mrs. D. Barron employment in the Retail Clothing Industry – she was instrumental in assisting customers and making money for the company; a special customer management position for Mrs. D. Barron was created by the company.

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

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Holiday Tips for Retailers - Pt. 1. By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Holiday Tips for Retailers - Pt. 1. By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Retailers, are you utilizing your products and your people to their best advantage?

Many people will shop online, but many will continue to visit your stores during the holiday. How do your store’s physical appearance and your sales associates look?

Some holiday tips for Retailers to consider:

• Appearance and appeal are important
• Your store should be clean, festive and filled with goods
• Music can put shoppers in a holiday or more relaxing mood – whether the music is upbeat, traditional Christmas favorites or a combination of both, the music should serve as background accompaniment (complement the shopping experience) and not so loud that it competes with the voices of shoppers or jingle and jangle their nerves.
• Your employees should look neat, clean and have pleasant dispositions and attitudes – a smile is always a winner
• Make sure your customer service reps know how to assist customers
• Designate and give during this period of time certain employees – certain decision making powers as it relates to Customer Service

Holiday Fashion Merchandise:

Many at some point during the Holiday Season will dress for a special event, gathering or occasion. If you sell clothing for the holidays, customers will be stopping by to view your offerings.

A nice pair of slacks and a sweater worn over a nice color shirt and a man is a winner in almost any fashion circle; however, and for most women; we know it takes much, much more to look our best.

Retailers, if you have a physical store and sell holiday clothing:

• You will need fashion conscience sales associates – they can be instrumental in whether the customer makes a purchase or walks out empty-handed. They should be available to offer assistance. Sometimes, a sincere complementary statement or thumbs-up from the sales associate is all a customer needs to purchase that certain fashion merchandise.
• Set your holiday apparel in a special place (feature and showcase it) – customers should not have to search for it.
• Don’t have a lot of clothing merchandise- showcase that which you do have with accessories. The customer may or may not purchase the clothing, but may elect to purchase the accessory.
• Showcase some of your store’s accessories; sometimes customers forget to purchase and/or may not be aware of your selections. Therefore, you want to remind customers not to forget their accessories. 

Retailers in the Food Business- many of the tips above are applicable to you as well.

• You also want to showcase – beautiful food dishes and products
• Create a Daily Theme leading up to the holiday – present appetizers to the shoppers as well as recipe cards featuring the appetizer or some ingredient(s) within
• Stock and have on hand enough products

Retailers, when the holiday is over and you have met and/or exceeded your sales goal (s), do not forget to thank your employees in a tangible way; they greatly assisted in making it happen.

Finally, have you and are you critiquing your store; customers- their needs, and listening?

Happy Holidays!

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Note: During Mrs. D. Barron employment in the Retail Clothing Industry – she was instrumental in assisting customers and making money for the company; a special customer management position for Mrs. D. Barron was created by the company.

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

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Military Suicides - Do we Really Understand their Cry for Help? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Military Suicides – Do we Really Understand their Cry for Help? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

First, I would like to thank First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama for bringing to America’s attention the plight of men and women of the United States Military and their families. After having listened to a few of her “persistent and passionate” appeals, I felt there was a deeper message that I was somehow not getting.

As her appeal gained a wider audience, people begin to stop, listen and get involved. Last weekend, one of the major newspapers, the New York Times featured several stories of the serious number of deaths as a result of former and present servicemen (majority) and servicewomen having committed suicide and the rate in which it continues.

It took a while, but I realized what was wrong; the general public does not understand their cry for help and even worse, do not really know how to assist. I believe most servicemen and women from earlier wars up through the Viet Nam War did not ask for help for a number of reasons, which are forthcoming.

My Dad fought in World War II; when I attempted to engage him in discussions about the war and his experiences, job performed and places he visited during his military tour, he would limit his responses to the places and the fact that he drove military vehicles. Once he stated, “it was terrible;” another time, he sadly looked at me and said, “girl, you really don’t want to know.” Regardless of how persistent I was, he would never watch a war movie; he always gently, but firmly declined. Sadly, I believe most kept the horrors of war bottled up inside and survived the best way they could. I do however recall Mom saying the war changed him and he was not the same afterward. He was Dad and “seemed” okay, but what does a child or any of us really know if we have not experienced war first hand?

As I sat and pondered the issue, I could not help but ask, why would one choose suicide after having gone to war, survived and returned home? Actually, two things happened that made me look at this issue through the eyes of an adult. I read a book unrelated to this subject, but one chapter spoke directly to this issue and the manner in which some Cultures deal with the guilt as a result of having gone to war and taken lives. I also received a call from a former serviceman whose desperate appeal for help was publicly and blatantly ridiculed.

I will list 10 reasons why I feel some servicemen and women attempt or commit suicide:

1. Guilt - killing or having been a party to the horrors of war
2. Guilt of having killed innocent people
3. Not being the hero acclaimed by the folks back home
4. Feeling as if he/she performed more like a coward than a hero
5. Nightmares of or inability to relinquish the horrors of the war;  ashamed to ask  or view the act of seeking assistance as a mark of weakness
6. Feeling abnormal in a normal world – not being able to return (physically and/or mentally) to the person he/she was prior to war
7. Some Drugs and the effects of those drugs given while in the military and afterward
8. Unable to resolve the question of “why me; why was I spared and others are dead?”
9. Inability to forgive self or find and accept forgiveness for actions and deeds performed during war
10. Return from war to a society that is not aware of and/or not conducive to the needs of servicemen and women’s sacrifices, both collectively and individually. Some are broken in spirit and upon return, bankrupted in many ways by a country who exhibits by its actions that when one has been determined to be of no further use, one ceases to matter. Such would give some servicemen and servicewomen little to nothing to hope or live for.

Servicemen and Servicewomen, with the exception of saying “Thank You,” anything other than actions to meet your needs would be an expression of empty platitudes.

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Finding Courage to Rise to America's Challenges by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Finding Courage to Rise to America's Challenges by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents Taking Charge in Education Post: Common or Uncommon as Milk by Mrs. Dorothy Barron http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com/2011/10/common-or-uncommon-as-milk-by-mrs.html

In the September 16, 2011, Slinging Stones... blog post titled, "A Bowl of Oatmeal Anyone" which can be found at http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/09/a-bowl-of-oatmeal-anyone-by-mrs-dorothy-barron.html, I talked predominantly about government agencies' reponses to a person(s) with disabilities. It was shown that many government funded agencies fail to provide effective or in many cases any assistance to those with disabilities. Most, if not all, are in the business of referrals and/or advocacy - advocating primary that which secure their own jobs. There is some action on the part of the Administration to implement regulatory authority; presently, there have been no effective changes in my situation.

Getting no further feedback from any disability entities, attention was turned to top administrators for the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner, Dr. Raquel Hatter and Interim Executive Director for the State of Tennessee Office on Aging and Disability, Ms. Kathy Zamata. It is to be noted that services for this agency are not limited to being a senior in age if one has a disability.

One of the major reasons America is in the mess and as dysfunctional in many areas as it is is due to the way many government offices have been for a long time and continue to be managed and operated. What makes it worse with most of these agencies that provide services through many entitlement programs are the bullying tactics incorporated to oppress, unlawfully deny services and/or worse.

Americans are going to have to find courage and rise to America's challenges or watch us collaspe and a new order commence.

When you take a stand, you will mostly likely be

• Ostracized
• Ridiculed
• Deemed incompetent, inferior, ineffective and even crazy
• Lied on
• Oppressed and harrassed
• singled out as others devise means to build distrust, as well as instill fear
• Persecuted in some form or another or worse

Now that you know what to expect; find some courage!

The details of this present reprehensible state of affairs with State of Tennessee agencies listed above have not been placed within this post. The details in a narrative has been sent to Washington, DC, instead and presently, for two reasons:

1. To give those in Washington, DC an opportunity to act on the matter and have it resolved.
2. To prevent additonal discouragement

For those in Washington who are working hard to improve America for all Americans, I assure you both agencies have been given and have had ample time to resolve this situation of neglect. It has been four weeks and past time to put a stop to this non-sense. People do not stand a chance of getting physically better in order to become self-supporting with this type of program service negligence and neglect; such hampers America from moving forward.

In the forthcoming narrative, you will find that it is these individuals' actions that blighten government and besmirch those who do work hard at doing a good job and trying to make a difference. Remove enough of those that are not accountable and you will begin to see a remarkable difference. Stop funding government programs that continue to take federal funding, but not perform the services for which funding was received. If people for which the program funding has been designated are not getting the services, why does the federal government continue funding such programs?

My presented narrative serves:

1. Not to embarass although it is what some hope it will achieve. For too long and in many instances, when problems involving government were made public and in an effort to subdue embarrassment to the government, additional funding were provided to the state and/or agencies to smooth over or cover, but not necessarily alleviate the problem(s); it only masked problems which now overwhelm government. This presentation of facts serves to inform and enlighten those who are working hard to move America forward. It reveals how many of these offices are really functioning (failing to function) and how their programs are being implemented (or lack of effective implementation).
2. To assist you with understanding what is failing and why?
3. To arm you with facts and knowledge; such better assists you with program cuts, waste and/or the revisement of programs and/or funding.
4. To provide you with knowledge and means of dealing effectively with these problems. The federal government need not be compelled to increase funding (as so often done) for the sole purpose of concealment of problem(s).
5. To alert you of the oppression of the impoverished; suppression to prevent the exercising of free speech, denied program services and further oppression upon speaking out.

Change may be painful for many agency and organization administrators and personnel who are use to sitting back passing the buck through referrals and advocacy (advocating that which encompass keeping their jobs). Some are even clever at providing creative paper trails. We cannot afford business as usual! We can no longer adhere to the "Failure is more Profitable Doctrine." Making failure a priority and goal in order to obtain more service and program funding hurts America and Americans! Just as important is the fact that we can no longer afford to populate offices with foolish and fearful people. 

 

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

"Slinging Stones… Blog" by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://dorothybarron.com/slingingstones or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

 

No Time for America to be Homeless by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

No Time for America to be Homeless by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog Post for 10/21/2011: 10 Benefits of Parents Visiting and/or being Involved inside Their Children’s Schools on a Regular Basis by Mrs. Dorothy Barron http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com/2011/10/10-benefits-of-parents-visiting-andor.html

America is too rich, blessed and abundant to be so poor! Perhaps, you are wondering about the title of this article and whether the word should be Americans instead of America; the title is correct. When we allow so many families to become and remain homeless – America is homeless. According to many, the financial and housing crisis is responsible for having left many without homes and homeless. Does it really matter at this point?

Some of the allegations that many people had homes who should not may or may not have been true. We also know that individuals and families lost their homes as a result of no fault of their own.

1. Is not owning a home part of the American Dream; many will try if the opportunity arises even if they are not successful, Perhaps, the dream should not be so impossible.
2. For many, a home ownership program and workshop had to be attended prior to moving forward with the purchase of a home.
3. Lending and mortgage institutions have been blamed; yet, the ones who suffered most are those who no longer have a home.
4. Then there is always the fine print- that which was not intended that one read or worse, understand it.

Some years ago a senior approached me faced with a mortgage “balloon payment;” the individual was not aware, did not understand and certainly had not expected it. Not being an attorney, I could not advise from a legal standpoint. However, having perused the documents, it was clear that some suspect and questionable terms had been incorporated. 

Two things not acceptable:

1. Banks and/or lending institutions who plan and/or have begun razing homes; such is not the best way to invest in Americans and the future of America. There should be a better and more feasible way to meet your economic goals.
2. Continual studies and/or research of the Housing situation. Enough research! The problems are well-known and have been documented for years; it is time to put that money to a better use.

Homeless families, especially those with children are not conducive to America’s race, rise to or remaining at the top, globally. Can we build a better tomorrow when these conditions are allowed to exist and remain?

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

What I am Not Interested in Hearing or Seeing in the 2012 Presidential Election Campaign by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

What I am Not Interested in Hearing or Seeing in the 2012 Presidential Election Campaign by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog Post for 10/14/2011: Parent-School Organization Fund-Raising by Mrs. Dorothy Barron at http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com/2011/10/parent-school-organization-fund-raising.html

As candidates campaign for the 2012 Office of the United States Presidency there are four things I am not interested in hearing or seeing; they are:

1. A lot of promises that cannot be kept and/or no intention of being kept


2. The waste of hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars on campaigns and campaigning when the people of America are homeless, jobless and hurting in a myriad of ways.


3. Grandstanding – touting that which is not relevant and/or of no relevance to the needs of America and the American people


4. Wasting time pointing fingers, accusations, attacks, negative campaigns and slinging mud.

What would impress me are candidates who:

1. Can succinctly state the issues and offer effective solutions


2. Will state intentions and commitments if elected instead of promises of which one may or may not be able to keep. There are some exceptions; a sitting President has a track record to relay.


3. Having positively engaged and made an impact or effort with some initiative already before the American people and provided assistance to the sitting President

Times have changed and society is no longer about us versus them or me, thyself and I; it is about us- all of us and the longer we fail to understand and act accordingly, the more we doom ourselves, our children and America. As a result of times having and continuing to change, I would like to leave four suggestions for your consideration:

1. You want to get American’s attention: Use those hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars to invest in America and the American people instead of your campaign.

2. An *idea for both the candidates and venues such as YouTube (it has a ready made platform), Facebook or any other social media or SEO that can provide a platform. All candidates can utilize this on-going platform or channel (candidates channels appearing together); a series of campaign questions can be posed to all candidates and allow candidates to respond and engage with the American people directly. Are you beginning to see the advantages, as well as future advantages? The use of campaigning via social media venues should only cost a fraction of the old mode of campaigning. According to statistics, social media sites are where the greater majority of the public are anyway. The public can keep up with the entire election campaign and choose to hear from all of or only their preferred candidate (s) of choice.

3. Go among the people, listen to and get to know the American People. You cannot lead where you do not go or fully address the people’s needs if you do not know (them).

4. Candidates other than the sitting President, prepare yourselves instead to run for the 2016 Presidency. The sitting President has work to complete; no offense meant, but changing
horses in mid-stream will not only hurt America, but cause America to lag even further behind. It takes time to build trust and forge relationships both here and abroad. We do not need a change in command at this point; we need an America with people dedicated and committed to working together on behalf of all of America.

* Venues you can e-mail me and pay me for my promotion fee idea (smile).

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com
or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

A Bowl of Oatmeal Anyone? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

A Bowl of Oatmeal Anyone? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

     Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: School Principal- Is Your School worth Saving by Mrs. Dorothy Barron at: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com/2011/09/school-principal-is-your-school-worth.html 

                      

For the last five days (Friday, a week ago until Tuesday of this week) each meal for me consisted of a bowl of oatmeal (with raisins/couple of days, chopped nuts). Although nourishing in many ways to the body both inside and out, oatmeal does not alone provide all necessary nutrients for the body.

Let me preface what I am about to say by saying, changes are occurring within government under President Obama's administration, but due to both the scope, depth and length of years the problems have been allowed to exist, they will not be rectified immediately.

I will list five reasons as the result of and why oatmeal has been the only meal for five days as well as an empty refrigerator?

1. Dumping of the total burden on relatives who cannot sustain the total burden
2. Lack of the state complying with federal mandates
3. Lack of agencies and individuals that have been funded to assist people who are eligible and approved for those services
4. Disability Agencies and Organizations whose mission is to assist those with Disabilities
5. Inability, unwillingness and/or lack of those agencies and organizations that have been funded to assist people with disabilities
6. Lack of regulatory oversight

Health and education (learning) are two of the most important factors needed to sustain a society; lack of either or both and a society perish. However, I want to concentrate on those with disabilities in this post and bring attention to situations that need changing. I choose not to view myself as a person with disabilities, simply a person with some limitations, because I strongly believe the manner in which one views self ultimately becomes the essence of self. In other words, as a man "… thinketh in his heart, so is he…" (Bible, KJV, Pro. 23:7).

Very often the adverse situations or plight in which persons with disabilities find themselves are not of their own making. In my particular situation, A bus operator's act of retaliation aboard MARTA caused my disabilities; Yet, at the point of settlement and according to the law firm which represented me, the lawyer who handled my case disappeared and I, the injured party received nothing. Of course if you read Parts I - VII of my series, *Education: Live Case Study- 9Year Government "Back to Work" Case with No End or Resolution in Sight, you have seen the travesty involved with my trying to return to work under at least two government back to work programs. My Slinging Stones… Blog can be found at this link: http://www.dorothybarron.com and the series, here: http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/06/education-live-case-study-9year-overnment-back-to-work-case-with-no-end-orresolution-in-sight-by-mrs-dorothy-barr.html Where does such leave one? Following are where one may find him/herself:

Dumping of the total burden on a relative(s) who cannot sustain the total burden

Very often funding forthcoming from the federal government to the state to assist people with disabilities is not forthcoming. Often, the state dumps the total burden off on relatives instead. Relatives can and may assist, but many cannot take on the total burden of one's care and would not have to if mandates which the government has in place were adhered to. My relative(s) did not cause my disabilities, nor prevented my going back to work as I have fought and struggled with the system for over 10 years to do so. Let me also note, had I been able to complete my back to work training program, I would now be self-supporting and able to hire individuals to assist me with my disability needs. Instead, this one relative must bear the burden of trying to take care of two households, work at more than one job and pay back school loans. The relative could not shop for me this week, cook or wash; car problems prevented such. Oatmeal was my sole meal for the last five days.

Lack of the State complying with Federal mandates and the law

I live alone, am non-ambulatory and due to the nature of the disability which was a top priority upon evaluations performed by the state, approved services were forthcoming for years when and after the state was forced to comply with mandates of the law. But, how many impoverished and/or poor people know enough of the law to hold those accountable to the law? Hence, the state collects federal monies and often dumps the total burden of the person with disabilities on the care of relatives or others. The state has taken federal funding to transport Medicare beneficiaries to medical appointments, but will only transport one within a 20-30 mile radius. Such is fine if one's physician(s)' is/are within that radius; if not you are on your own. I have not been able to get crucial medical care or annual tests prescribed for women for over three years, or physical therapy for over four years.

Lack of agencies entities and individuals that receive government funding to assist people who are eligible and approved for services

Instead of the many agencies which have been funded by the federal government to assist those with getting required and/or necessary services, some would rather lie and/or falsify the individual's records to prevent their doing so. The State of Tennessee has an agency, Adult Protective Services whose purpose is to investigate cases, access and provide protection and services to adults with certain disabilities/limitations who suffer from abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation (Adult Protective Services). My experiences with this agency in times past (due to lack of assistance- neglect), resulted in the agency director's failure to assist, because and according to her, "I have a history with the agency." Of course they will not put this foolish statement in writing and supply to me in order for me to present it to the federal government. It will take too much time to relay their shenanigans and deceptions, here and now.

As for physicians throughout this city and in some surrounding areas, once reported of violations and unlawful medical treatment, one is blackballed. I was in my former Nashville primary care doctor's office when my back failed to support me and I had to immediately get into a supine position. After nurses informed the physician, I was informed that there were no empty evaluating rooms. I was forced to lay on the floor in this physician's waiting room as his patients stared in unbelief. Some even walk out without treatment shocked and disgusted by the doctor and his staff's treatment.

At one emergency room's hospital, the results of one of my tests was so alarming, the technician immediately sought assistance and informed me such was the case. I waited and waited and waited; no one return. An orderly finally appeared and placed me back in the emergency room cubicle. The direct words the emergency room treating physician's spoke to me regarding my test results were, "you're clear as a bell."

I have published in an earlier blog post treatment of my emergency room visit by some at Summit Medical Center located in Hermitage, TN. The emergency room doctor who treated me deliberately wrote a prescription for a drug that could have killed me had I taken it. The 2 Part blog post titled, Jumping through the Hoops Pt.2A- Crumbling Foundation: The State of Healthcare - Medicare and Medicaid Entering 2011 by Mrs. Dorothy Barron begins here: http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/01/jumping-through-the-hoops-pt2a-crumbling-foundation-the-state-of-healthcare-medicare-and-medicaid-en.html . Need I continue?

So now with lumps in the body which should not exist, I turned to Disability Agencies for assistance to find assistance with getting to my primary care doctor's office.

Disability Agencies and Organizations whose mission is to assist those with Disabilities

Referral and Advocacy is virtually all most do. Most care very little of the disability community; instead their jobs, the retaining of their funding and insuring that the disable not receive needed assistance in order to keep government funding rolling in are their top priorities. They refer one from one agency to the next without meaningful results and with all their advocating, what many of us within the disability community know for a fact is that little changes for us. Most often those within the disability community will receive more assistance from little known and even less funded disability agencies/organizations that assist the disabled.

In need of finding assistance to travel to my primary physician, I recently contacted the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) for help with obtaining assistance. I was referred to another agency. The referrals provided by the referred agency were of no assistance. Upon my having informed the Director of TDC of the results, I was given a spiel that TDC's mission was public policy research and advocacy along with "…45 member agencies to identify and work on policy solutions to issues facing people with disabilities" (C. Westlake, Director). My plight became even more serious without any assistance in the home or meals. I then requested the director supply me with a listing and contact information for the 45 member agencies. She replied that she would be out of the office for the week and I could go to their website and archives to locate the requested information.

I am in pain; I was hungry and physically weak; yet, asked to go through a website at the Tennessee Disability Coalition and search for information that this director was too callous to provide or get someone within her office to do so. Some of these same individuals profess to care about their mission and the disability community; their actions profess otherwise.

Lack of regulatory oversight

For too long, the ultimate and desired goal here in America has been "failure." Failure is profitable and a sure way of getting continued government funding. Some months ago, Vice-President Biden announced a new initiative for Cutting Waste in government. It is time to cut some waste in the area of Disability Agencies and ineffective program services some offer the Disability Community. Policy research entities and organizations abound; we know what the problems are as well as the desired solutions. The solutions require funds and funding. Many agencies provide the same services and for what most accomplish, their services/referrals can be placed on an automated system.

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

"Slinging Stones… Blog" by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://dorothybarron.com/slingingstones or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at  http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Our New Economic Horizon and Landscape by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Our New Economic Horizon and Landscape by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The advent of the scope, various systems and speed of the Internet has changed our entire economic horizon and landscape. At one point, for most becoming wealthy was out of the question. However, a measure of wealth could possibly be acquired if one obtained a professional degree, worked hard and netted a mid to upper income. Such is not necessarily the case any longer.

Got an idea, a marketable product(s) or even someone else's product? One can become wealthy beyond one's imagination. Have you notice the new horizon of wealth and how that wealth is being made? This new horizon is seemingly comprised of young people below thirty (30) years of age and it is being made from/through the Internet. I am not advocating that everyone dash to the Internet and forget about serving customers/clients, marketing and offline business. Shortly, I will briefly provide you with reasons why I do not presently advocate placing your total business and business endeavors solely via the Internet?

Let us look as what could be considered as some advantages and challenges of this new generation of young, wealthy entrepreneurs. Some Advantages:

1. The young are willing to take risk.

2. Many are pioneering and charting the future

3. They are amassing wealth in what appears unprecedented numbers

4. They are the new wealthy generation and possess some of this country's greatest individual wealth. Some are using their wealth to assist and benefit the nation, its people and society in general.

Some Challenges:

1. Some of the young wealthy entrepreneurs lack experience, maturity and often wisdom that come only with age.

2. It appears that many are single and may not have children or family responsibilities and thus are rootless and rudderless

3. Integrity is a problem with some (although not solely a problem among the young)

4. Some with wealth and who are not rooted, vested or have ties within community do not understand the need or responsibility to give back to community or invest in people and programs which build the country and the country's future.

Do not misunderstand, nor do I wish to discourage those of you who through your talent, abilities, integrity and hard work have become financially successful, but please realize that such cannot replace the experience and wisdom that comes with age. Society requires both as pointed out in the blog post article titled, "We should have left Farmer John on the Farm" by Mrs. Dorothy Barron http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2009/06/we-should-have-left-farmer-john-on-the-farm-by-mrs-dorothy-barron---now-before-anyone-takes-offense-let-me-explain-we-sh.html .

There are no free rides; others in the past made sacrifices and gave back for you and I to possess what we now have. We each must also give back to sustain the next generation. There is a large segment of the population out of work and numerous individuals/families have lost their homes. Exactly, how America or society's landscape will change as a result of the amount of wealth in the hands of those below 30 years of age is yet to be seen.  

Presently, the reason I do not advocate that one places all his/her proverbial "eggs in one basket" or the "Internet" is because the Internet is not yet a level and equally accessible tool for and to all. It has yet to be equipped to safeguard all individuals' personal and intellectual property. Presently, systems can be put in place to copy or duplicate one's intellectual property, download and upload one's websites, change one's computer operating system and redirect all information input and output elsewhere. At this time no matter how much anti-virus, anti-spy ware, changes of passwords, etc., and etc., technology now available can bypass any and all, wreaking havoc on some who would use the Internet for both personal and business purposes. I have written on this subject in the past. See blog post titled," A Free and Open Internet" by Mrs. Dorothy Barron at http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/05/a-free-and-open-internet-by-mrs-dorothy-barron.html . The Internet is a great and powerful tool; systems and software allows it to outpace man. It is the designated tool of the present and future; it is expected to be used by most, if not all within society and therefore, imperative that the Internet be safeguarded to insure that each and all who use it as well as their possession and intellectual property be protected and safeguarded as well. Thanks to all who work toward this becoming a reality.  

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

"Slinging Stones… Blog" by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://dorothybarron.com/slingingstones or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at  http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron