Prosperity Consciousness in the Caribbean: A Deeper Look

I recently read a Blog Article titled “Prosperity Consciousness in the Caribbean” (October 2, 2011 – AkosFintor.net).  In my understanding, Fintor, suggests that the people of the Caribbean do not possess the proper mindset to gain or sustain prosperity.  He further states that if the Caribbean people who migrate take their old mindset with them, then they do not actually benefit from leaving at all.  Lastly, Fintor assumes that it is no longer necessary for the Caribbean people to leave their islands for first world countries as they have everything they require to be self-sufficient in their own countries.  In my opinion, Fintor is missing something extremely important to his brief analysis, and that is knowledge of the Caribbean and its people.  In the following, I will outline some of the historical and economic reasons behind the continuous exodus of the Caribbean people to the first world.


Under colonial rule, the Caribbean Islands were the economic engine of Britain. In Mansfield Park, Jane Austen writes of the comings and goings of English gentry who benefited from their sugar and cotton plantations in the Caribbean.  In the 1950s, however, these crops were no longer profitable.  Their repetitive cultivation had exhausted the soil.  Europeans could now produce sugar from beet more cheaply, and new scientific discoveries enabled the mass production of synthetic materials for clothing.  The absentee landowners abandoned their estates, thus, the islands’ economies collapsed.


High levels of unemployment and lack of higher educational institutions drove Caribbean people to immigrate to first world countries when offered the opportunity.   During and after World War II, Britain recruited her sovereigns from the Caribbean to replenish its work force.  In addition, the United States and Canada recruited Caribbeans as guest workers to pick apples and work as domestics.  Hundreds of thousands of Caribbean people readily left their homeland in search of highly valued higher education, professional training, and economic opportunities. 


Some left with the intention of returning.  Realistically, however, these islands were not economically advanced enough to absorb the return of so many highly trained professionals, especially with tourism as the main industry.  In addition, the governments of these islands have a long history of nepotism and corruption.  Funds loaned to their governments for the development of infrastructure are often diverted to their illegal offshore bank accounts.  The remnants of colonial elitism continue to be a systemic problem, which detracts from any sustained economic development. 


It is important to note that the United States feared the spread of Communism in the Caribbean when Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba.  This never materialized, however, and China has become the New Colonialists.  China is using its money to manipulate some of the leaders of these islands.  Instead of aiding the development of these countries, they are flooding them with shoddy products. 


In this global economy, these islands cannot compete with developing countries.  These Caribbean islands are sold to the highest bidder at the expense of its people.  Any foreign investor who wants to build hotels and golf courses are granted “Knighthood.”  In the documentary, “The Cove”), for example, it was reported that the UN representatives of Japan secured favorable votes from some of the Caribbean islands’ members by building useless projects in their countries. 


Off-shore gaming funded by foreign investors is the new economy of some Caribbean islands.  Obviously, this is a hidden tax on the locals.  Further undermining the economies of the region, these foreign investors repatriate their profits.  In addition, many of these islands have become hiding places and breeding grounds for international criminals. South American “Drug Lords” use these islands as their gateway to the rest of the world.


Although the leaders of some smaller islands have tried to create a common economic market, it has not worked out as successfully as expected.  Regrettably, the single-mindedness and fierce independence of the Caribbean people has further contributed to their on-going struggles.  The geographical closeness of the Caribbean islands does not appear to foster strong markets nor guarantee economic cooperation. 


It is not a lack of “prosperity mindset” which hinders the progress of the Caribbean people, but poor government decisions and corruption.  In my opinion, Caribbean governments should invest in their own people instead of granting tax incentives and special privileges to nationals of developed and emerging countries.  May I suggest that Fintor research the history of the Caribbean and its people before passing judgment or expressing a superficial opinion not grounded in knowledge.


© 2014 Mouth Wired Shut

Is Sports Winning The "War on Drugs"?

Recently, the Media, Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, and Baseball Team Owners, tried to turn the public against Baseball Players.  It’s a ploy - the age-old, so-called “War on Drugs.”  This war crops up from time to time not only in professional Baseball, but also in Football, Basketball and Ice Hockey.  Why?  Whenever players are not producing and owners are convinced they are not making enough money, they turn the players into scapegoats. 

Across the nation, outraged mothers and fathers concur with the media.  Many place the responsibility of guiding their impressionable children into the hands of professional athletes.  They demand that they become an example by not taking drugs.  It does not matter whether some of these parents are abusing prescription drugs or drinking excessively themselves. Instead of becoming strong role models for their children, they too find it more comforting to blame some stranger trying to make a living in sports.

On the other hand, why are players not vilified for drinking alcohol and giving themselves cancer from chewing tobacco?  It comes down to dollars and cents.  Firstly, tobacco and beer companies are sponsors of the professional Sports Industry.  Yet these substances are just as destructive to the wholesome, family image the sports world likes to project. 

"Baseball Players are only glorified when their
bats crack the ball and it goes sailing
on the wind beyond the boundaries." - JSB

Secondly, the Sports Industry has created a drug-induced meritocracy where some players are prepared to risk everything for short-term financial gain.  Baseball Players are only glorified when their bats crack the ball and it goes sailing on the wind beyond the boundaries.  As the home runs pile up, the rabid fans fill the stands, and owners gleefully chart exploding sales growth of their team memorabilia. The MLB Owners, Commissioner and Managers, quite aware of what these young men are doing to exhibit such extraordinary athleticism, are so morally bankrupt, that they are prepared to look the other way. It is only when some eager young reporter writes an exposé in an attempt to make a name for him - or herself that the sports world pretends to be outraged. 

The misinformed public and hypocritical parents who negate their responsibility, however, still continue to place the blame squarely on the shoulders of professional athletes alone.  Why aren’t they asking who invested in the now-defunct company, Biogenesis?  Why aren’t they demanding the names of companies still manufacturing these synthetic drug-enhancers?  Instead, they allow the owners and heads of the Sports Industry to hide in their ivory towers and force the players to be accountable to the public.

It should be noted that many of these young men playing sports for profit are the product of dysfunctional environments.  Advanced education and critical-thinking skills would prepare them to better handle their new-found wealth and lime-light.  Unless the Sports Industry stops negating their responsibility and leadership, then these young men will continue to destroy their dreams and careers.

© 2013 Mouth Wired Shut

Women, have you met da Vinci?

Women, have you met da Vinci?  Not the famous Italian inventor and artist of yesteryear.  No, I’m talking about the very futuristic Robotic Intuitive Surgical System that Silicon Valley has developed. Hospitals are staking their future economic success on this revolutionary device, and women appear to be the main target. 

With a promise of speedy recovery from robotic surgeries like hysterectomies, women could become the cash cow hospital administrators have been seeking.  The United States has the highest rate of hysterectomy in the industrialized world with 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year (Hysterectomy Misunderstood by Many U.S. Women, September 13, 2011).  And with the cost of the da Vinci robot costing hospitals upwards of $1.5 million, they are under pressure to push for as many surgeries as possible to recoup their hefty investment (Rock Center with Brian Williams, June 14, 2013)

If women think they have nothing to fear from an operating room run by the da Vinci, think again.  In a recent interview on the Rock Center, Dr. Nancy Snyderman talked with women whose surgical recovery from the daVinci was less than satisfactory (Rock Center with Brian Williams, June 14, 2013).  In fact, some of the patients’ entire internal organ systems were destroyed by the clumsy and experimental machine.  We all know that computer programs and other man-made devices are subject to human error, and they occur on a regular basis.  Yet, the developer of this Intuitive Surgical System is adamant that they have done enough testing and continue to force it on the public.

Reminiscent of the movie “Edward Scissorhands,” the machine’s operator sits feet away from the patient performing the intricate surgical procedures.  Manipulating a machine inside a body with numerous organs, blood vessels and nerves is not a job for anyone peering through a lens sitting feet away.  The human body is extremely delicate, and performing major surgery is not like playing video games.  Nor is this a science fiction - or fantasy of some executive’s imagination.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 38, and I recovered excellently.  I know it can be overwhelming when facing a surgical procedure, but don’t be pressured by any medical team or hospital to do what is not in your best interest.  Do your “due diligence” before agreeing to any medical procedure performed by a robot. Hospitals are not in the human business.  They are in the money-making business. 

© 2013 Mouth Wired Shut

Dangers of Long Hair Worn by Sport Competitors - (Opinion)

This article on the Internet ( "Does Sanya Richards-Ross’ long hair slow her down?” ) caught my attention this morning.   I have discussed this very issue at home while watching the Olympic games.  However, I believe there is another more sinister problem with Sports Competitors with long pony tails switching back and forth during competitions, especially in Track & Field.  In my opinion, these competitors are using their hair as defensive weapons to intimidate and impede other competitors.  I have yet to see the general public or Sport Officials wise-up to it.  It is also surprising to me that there haven’t been any serious eye injuries or facial lacerations reported. 

Some female competitors are the most serious offenders, but a few of the male competitors are just as guilty.  Most of these eighteen-inch-long hairstyles, flowing like a horse’s tail, are synthetic hair.  However, people with naturally long hair are also part of the problem.   Especially during long distance races, when they use their hair to obstruct the vision of others behind or beside them.  I have noticed some runners backing off their stride to avoid being hit by others’ hair swinging back and forth.  

Whether it has been scientifically proven or not, all that long hair is definitely distracting.  It is time for Olympic, and other Sport, Officials to implement a hair code for both women and men competitors.  Hair should be worn securely pinned up, or cut to a reasonable length where it is not a hazard to the other competitors.

© 2012 Mouth Wired Shut

"Taking Our Country Back" : One Innocent Black Teenager At A Time?

Any Black mother and father in this country must go to bed and wake up every day with a heavy heart.  They wonder if today is going to be that day when they get a knock at their door and they are greeted by a cold stare offering meaningless apologies. When a child is brought into this world, its’ parent wishes for nothing more than to see his or her child attain adulthood and take their place in society.  But for Blacks in America, every day is an inner nightmare.  Blacks were brought up the Hudson 400 years ago to build this country with their blood, sweat and tears; yet every generation finds itself battling for acceptance and survival in this country.

I came to this country over thirty years ago and I learned the rules fast.  In England, my eleven year old son would go to the local playground to ride his bike, play with his friends and I had the confidence that he would be safe.  He went to the market most Saturday mornings alone and would return with old coins, the latest album, or his favorite comic book.  All that freedom to enjoy his surroundings came to an abrupt end in that North-East Philadelphia neighborhood.  The people made us know we did not belong.  Mind you, these were “God-fearing” people who “loved their God and Country” without limits, yet viewed us as space aliens. 

The first day of our new life in Philadelphia, my four year old daughter tried to make friends with the neighborhood children playing in their front yards.  She was greeted with these words from a parent: “Go back where you come from.”  My daughter could not understand what that meant, because we came from London, where she attended nursery school with children of all ethnicities, and had never experienced such open and unwarranted hostility from any adult.  As a result, I began to keep an even tighter rein on my children, especially my son, to whom I had to explain why America was not like England.  He was not allowed out by himself anymore, not even to the neighborhood shop.  

I must commend one little old lady for her bravery, because she refused to participate in her neighbors’ plan to shun us.  She made it her duty to come to my house to inform me of their scheme.  I sent them warning through her that where I grew-up, no one messes with other people’s lives - or they might live to regret it.  For the next eighteen months, I lived on that street with my head held high.  My children became the darlings of some of the neighbors, and my front yard was like a magnet for their children.

Americans may why wonder why I feel so strongly about the death of a Black boy in Florida that I do not even know.  I could be that young boy’s grandmother waiting for him to return from an errand.  Or, he could have been my son growing up in this country, where certain sections still seem to exist in the dark ages. 

“Hoodies” have become the signature clothing of most young people in this country.  And, for God sake, why should people not be free to wear what the hell they like without fear of being shot by hate-mongers?  I remember pulling the hood of my children’s coats snuggly around their faces to keep out the biting, winter cold.  

My son and daughter are now adults, but I sleep lightly.  They are still being profiled, even though we have always lived in so-called Middle class neighborhoods, or Suburbia.  A few short years ago, my son and a work colleague were returning from lunch, driving the speed limit, minding their business, when my son noticed a police car following him.  If you know my son, he is extremely cautious in every facet of his life, especially behind the wheel.  Nonetheless, he was followed all the way back to his place of work, and only then did the police turn around and speed away. 

Similarly, when my daughter was in college, she was stopped while driving through our neighborhood.  The officer said she had a knitted hat on, and he could not see her face.  He ticketed her for a rolling stop.  Every driver in California does a rolling stop with impunity.  She fought it, and the officer was never more surprised when she showed up in court, well-dressed and well-spoken.  The Judge gave her community service at a local theater.  These incidents happened in Northern California.  And quite recently, my daughter, who still lives at home, had an officer follow her all the way to our front door.  Can anyone imagine how frightening and unnerving that was for a hard-working, single woman returning home late at night from a long commute?

People talk about democracy in America, and I do wonder if they know what it means?  They hate communism and totalitarianism, but I think those Americans who want to take other people’s rights to dress in whatever manner they deem suitable, are the real danger to freedom in this country.  Ten years ago, it was the big shirts and baggy pants; before that it was the knitted hats - and now it’s the hoodies.  Get a life people, and live!  

People are up in arms about “taking their country back” and some of them have not even been in America one generation.  Blacks have been here generations too numerous to count; yet, they obviously still have no Civil Rights.  Some American politicians running for the office of President talk about colonizing space, and they can not even inhabit the earth peacefully.  How can Americans run around the world expounding their warped rules on democratic freedom, when its’ own citizens live in fear of walking to a neighborhood store to buy candies?  America will never be respected as a true world super-power until it treats all of its’ legal citizens with respect and dignity. 

© 2012 Mouth Wired Shut

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO OPRAH – QUEEN OF THE TALK SHOWS?

Oprah is finished.  Her twenty-five year reign as “Queen of the Talk Shows” has evaporated.  Her political and financial spheres of influence have declined.  Her Midas touch is completely devalued; up-and-coming entrepreneurs no longer vie for her approval.  She simply misunderstood and mistimed her exit from the mainstream Media arena.  It is not even a year since she left ABC, and her world audience has forgotten her.  

The powers that be unceremoniously dethroned her.  They instead feverishly fight to install a new Queen – or King.  Ironically, the line-up of competitors includes some of Oprah’s protégés.  The “White Dudes Show Down,” as I have renamed it, is jostling on all the major Networks (CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX) for the 3:00 P.M slot vacated by Oprah. 

Rightly or wrongly, some factions of the political power elite in America believe that Oprah over-stepped her bounds.  They hold the opinion that Oprah greatly influenced her followers to vote overwhelmingly Democrat in the 2008 election, thereby solidifying the win for the first African-American President.  With her departure from mainstream television, Oprah’s influence is null and void well before the 2012 election.

Oprah further miscalculated when she assumed that her brand alone would ensure the successful launch her TV Network, “OWN.”  While it flounders with thin programming that fails to capture her audience’s imagination, some celebrate OWN’s impending downfall.  For the majority who shared and experienced her growth for the last quarter of a century, we eagerly anticipate her electrifying “come back.”  Oprah still, and forever, reigns supreme.  

© 2012 Mouth Wired Shut

AFRICAN-AMERICANS HAVE TO PROVE OVER AND OVER THEY TOO ARE AMERICANS

Yes, once more African-Americans are forced to prove to the other Americans that they too are Americans; and they have the legitimate right to participate in the social and political fabric of this great nation.

Even though the Arabs started the African Slave Trade, it was the Empire-building Europeans who usurped and deprived the African continent of its human wealth.  The blood of millions of Africans has enriched the soil of the continent of America.  And yet, Europeans, whose ancestors arrived in America well after African Slaves helped to build the White house, claim they have more rights to live in America than the descendants of those Slaves.

What more do the descendants of these people have to do to establish they have the right to be here?  In this twenty-first century when America wants the world to embrace them as the “leader of the free world,” the first African-American President is forced to publish his birth certificate.  The Media is obsessed with reporting about the President’s place of birth instead of focusing on the economic chaos. Pathetic senators of both parties are engaged in petty squabbles instead of performing the job for which they are elected.

Why should nations around the world respect America and allow it to force its’ brand of democracy upon them?  When a country prides itself on fairness and democratic values, it is appalling that an elected body find it necessary to encourage and legitimize the demoralization of one segment of its’society.

African-Americans have been proving to America in every possible way they belong here and here they stay.  Just before Langston Hughes returned to America from an extensive travel to Africa and Europe from 1922 to 1928, he penned the following poem expressing the frustration African-Americans daily endured.  I imagine the thought of him returning to his birth place to experience more humiliation gave him the impetus to share it with the world.

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes 1902-1967

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

I am sure Langston Hughes and all those who bore the brunt of helping to build the pillars on which America stands could not have envisaged an America led by an African- American President.  America! Listen-up, once and for all, without your “darker brothers,” the America you revel in, would not exist.

© 2011 Mouth Wired Shut

Parents Are 50% Responsible For Their Children's Success In School

"Adults Blame Parents for Education Problems” by Donna Gordon Blankinship is the first responsible article I’ve read which places the blame for the failure of the education of their children on the parents. Having taught in Inner-City, Public Elementary Schools for ten years, I was so glad to hear that. I loved sharing my knowledge with the students; however, I found the majority of the parents to be obstructive. I witnessed and experienced abuse of teachers from parents who refused to take responsibility for their children’s education.

When their child was disruptive, it was the “teachers’ poor classroom management skills.” If homework was not turned in, of course, it was the teachers’ fault. Many of these parents were under-educated; therefore, they were unable to model high expectations for their children.

Some of the same parents sent their children to school dressed in the latest fashions, like Tommy Hilfiger and Nike; yet, at the same time, feigned hardship to provide their children with the basic tools to help them succeed in school. Like all other teachers, I spent thousands over the course of my tenure buying necessary supplies, because of the State Budgetary constraints.

I become frustrated when hearing politicians and members of the public, who have never taught or been inside an Inner City School, criticize teachers. Disrespect and lack of appreciation for the teaching profession in American culture is widespread. Teachers are expected to work seven days a week for a salary far below the average for employees with less qualifications who work in the private sector.

“All 2000 Providence Teachers Told They Could Be Fired” by Liz Goodwin, highlights what many American teachers endure year after throughout their teaching career. This is a terrific confidence booster for new teachers. The day teachers wake-up and demand to be treated like any business profession, for example,(doctors, lawyers and some of the ineffective politicians), the more respect they will command.

Privatizing public education is not the solution. In the short term, it will temporarily solve cities financial woes, but at what social cost? I believe cities can solve some of their present budgetary shortfall by abolishing some of their inane structures like mayoral offices and governorships. Ancient less cohesive and inefficient societies functioned by rewarding their allies with high visible local government offices. In today’s society, with main seats of government in every state, I think all these intermediary petty officials have become obsolete.

Our leaders’ mismanagement of the education system has discouraged the brightest and best from committing to this noble profession. Without educated people, society at large will crumble; but perhaps this might be the goal of certain sector of our political system.



© 2011 Mouth Wired Shut

Americans Living Off Credit Instead of Jobs

Every few years Americans suffer a catastrophic economic wake-up call that sends them into a tailspin. The joblessness now plaguing America would not be so devastating, if American workers were paying attention. The internet is flooded with articles chronicling credit card debt, job loss and out sourcing. William Hughes’ “Jobless in America” (2002) and Norma Sherry’s “Out Sourcing America: Job Loss and Unemployment” (2003) sounded the alarm for America’s middle class. Unfortunately, most Americans are only fired-up with what is currently in the news headlines.

Approximately thirty years ago, American conglomerates began exporting jobs to third- and fourth-world countries. They wanted to maximize their profits by exploiting the low-waged workforce there. Entire industries, like steel and clothing, abandoned manufacturing products in the U.S. Many major businesses lobbied the government to pass laws that favored them joining the global economy. Unfortunately, this was disastrous for the American workers who lost their jobs in record numbers.

Surprisingly, American workers assumed it was a short term problem. They believed other businesses would replace their old ones and the job market would rebound. In the meantime, they depended on credit cards to solve their financial- and jobless problems.

Americans are now in a state of shock. We are told that the unemployment rate is 9.8%, but we all know someone who is unemployed or partially employed. Therefore, this figure is probably closer to 20%. The multinationals’ global greed has superseded the welfare of ordinary people. Our senators are more concerned with financing their next election than solving the state of the economy.

Get used to it America! Your jobs are never coming back. It is not in the best interest of big businesses to invest in American workers. China and other Asian countries are the world’s manufacturing base, with Americans as their number one consumer. Yet, where are Americans finding the money to finance their insatiable appetite for spending? Oh yes! They are maxing out their multiple credit cards.

While America is being brainwashed into believing they need over-priced, inferior products, their living rooms are being invaded. The latest television sit-com, “Outsourced” seeps in their psyche under the guise of entertainment, while they mire in debt. Ironically, even the jobs supporting the booming credit card industry are outsourced.

Americans are literally at the mercy of financial institutions, which hide behind a fail-proof system of being entities. Sooner, than later, Americans will be living in a country where the oligarchs are fortified behind their security gates, and the rest of us, left to fight amongst ourselves.

There was a period in history when human slavery had a face. Society was held responsible for the resulting human degradation. Today, 98% of Americans are kept in financial slavery and they are made to believe that it is their fault; multinationals continue to blame the American workers for their lack of skills.

The middle class, fooled into believing that they always have an escape route, fiercely hold on to the American fairytale, “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” Even when those boots are cheap knock-offs, made in Asia, and bought with maxed-out credit cards.

© 2011 Mouth Wired Shut

The Real Summer Ratings Grabber for Fox News: The Car Chase.

I knew that Summer had started when I had the misadventure of travelling away from Los Angeles on Interstate 10 and sirens and flashing blue lights forced me over a lane.  Traffic came to a dead stop as up to five police cars slowly followed a small pick-up truck.  Behind the wheel was a young man apparently enjoying the commotion he was creating.

For most Southern Californians, Summer officially begins when Fox Nightly News and all the other local channels open with a “Car Chase in Progress.”  Regardless of what is happening in the rest of the world, their Newscasters excitedly interrupt  to bring viewers mindless babble disguised as “Breaking News.”  

I often wonder how the media becomes involved so quickly.  In one chase, the police shot the driver to death - on live television.  The media showed it in real time, but offered no apologies for broadcasting the graphic scene.  Admittedly, I am a news junkie, but I have my limits.

In my opinion, Law Enforcement should quietly carry out their duties without TV News Reporters adding to the excitement.  When Fox Nightly News becomes serious about the content and value of its news, Car Chase phenomena as a Spectator Sport will lose its entertainment value.

© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut

Dysfunction at dinnertime? No, thank you.

The geniuses behind TV Ads certainly understand the art of getting under the viewers’ skin. The numerous Ads about erectile dysfunction are the source of my latest pet peeve. Am I the only woman who finds these Ads offensive?

In my opinion, these ads offer unrealistic images. In one ridiculous scenario, a woman and man hold hands in a wide-open grassy field… while they sit in separate bathtubs? How many people enjoy gnats circling their heads while sitting in cold bathwater? This is not my definition of romance.

Another Ad shows a Caucasian man confronted by his reflection in a plate glass shop window about his inability to perform in the bedroom. If a man’s reflection talks back to him about his erectile dysfunction, then he should immediately consult a psychiatrist. This, by the way, is a win-win situation for the pharmaceutical companies.

In the most implausible erectile dysfunction Ad, we watch an African American man, over six-feet tall, carrying a bunch of flowers, and smiling at every one he passes on the street. Come on! This is America! We know White America freaks out at the sight of powerful black men. It is absurd to think that America would be comfortable with this image of a black man publicly celebrating his virility.

I am aware of the pharmaceutical companies’ desire to sell as much product as possible; however, during my evening meal, I do not wish to view, nor contemplate anyone’s sexual function, not even mine. I think these kinds of Ads should run during the 10:00 P.M News slot. If men benefiting from such products are too tired to stay up beyond this time, maybe they should rethink whether they need to satisfy their sexual urges.

© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut

Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina: California is not a Swap Meet.

Anyone who is an American Citizen understands and values the membership of an elite club. In 1985 when I became an American Citizen, I registered to vote. Since then, I enjoy the privilege of voting in every election. Therefore, it is hard to accept that Meg Whitman could not find the time to vote until she was in her forties. Now after years of working in the private sector, Ms. Whitman is suddenly ready to participate in America’s great democracy. Why should the voters of California take her seriously, or forgive her selfishness?

For the last year, she has disparaged everyone whom she considers her rival for the governorship of California. Her insidious ads flood the airways. She touts her experience as the CEO of EBay; however, that does not equip her with the qualifications to run the state of California. Arnold Schwarzenegger (the Austrian actor?) became governor of California without any qualification or experience. He is leaving the State on the brink of economic collapse. California does not need another trial by error governor. Whitman, with her limitless funds, believes she can simply buy the governorship of California.

Similarly, Carly Fiorina is proud of her leadership of AT&T, Lucent and Hewlett-Packard (I do believe that some of the former employees of those companies would beg to differ). She did not perform too well in John McCain’s campaign for president, and when she thought she was out of the earshot of the public, she criticized Barbara Boxer’s hair. Fiorina has no credible record of accomplishment in the private sector.

In my opinion, people who run for government offices should start at the grass roots. Whitman and Fiorina should start by building their base at the community level. People are not widgets, and California is not a giant Swap Meet. As Californians, we deserve better. The present governor thought he could govern California by osmosis. What a gigantic disappointment. Whitman and Fiorina should stick to what they know best: how to manipulate corporate spreadsheets.

© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut

Should our Nation’s Leaders Hold Office Indefinitely?

A few weeks ago, I was watching MSNBC and Chris Matthews said something we all think, but are too frightened to say.  He posed the question, “What age should senators retire?” The United States Congress needs to clean house.  Their age for retirement should be the same as the public.

The United States Congress is like a “Retirement Commune” for a majority of overpaid rich white dudes and a few privileged black ones.  The Senators and Representatives bumble around from session to session without accomplishing anything of substance. Some Senators nap on camera while in committee meetings.  Their electorates who anoint them with the privilege of occupying the highest office of the nation are disillusioned.  What other profession has senility as one of its outstanding attributes?

It is upsetting to have men and women in Congress well past their prime pretending to be working on behalf of the people.  The following Senators are prime examples: Strom Thurmond almost died in office at approximately 100 years.  Senator Jessie Helms probably had some form of brain damage.  Senator Robert Byrd, even though he suffered the after-effects of a stroke, held onto his seat until his death a few weeks ago.

U.S Senator Arlen Specter is another great example of someone who does not know when to exit gracefully. At almost eighty years old, his legacy would be more distinguished, if he held court and offered his insight and wisdom to up-and-coming, would-be, young senators. In my opinion, no Senator should serve beyond seventy-five years old.  But I guess the Senators will never pass a law to put themselves out of such a lucrative position.


© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IN A BOTTLE? NOT!

I am considering taking up yoga again after been sidelined by two knee surgeries and arthritic pain. I must confess that I am also interested in maintaining a youthful appearance and in anything that gives me an edge.

I have taken ballroom dancing, tennis, badminton, group aerobic exercise, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and even djembe classes; however, I am hopeless at every one of these. I have since turned to regular acupuncture. One might conclude that I am just searching for the fountain of youth, but Ha! I live in America, the country, or culture, where everything, and everyone, is youth oriented.

When I came across the advertisement for “Kangen Bottled Water” in a yoga pamphlet, it immediately caught my attention. After all, these are health fanatics, and are only interested in strengthening body and mind, so I thought. The ad stated that “Kangen” would slow down the aging process, increase the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, and promote healthy weight loss. This is exactly what I needed.

Believe me, I am not keen on drinking water. Growing up in the islands, it was a constant challenge to find unpolluted water sources. All our drinking water had mosquito larvae and water bugs dancing in it. Given all the benefits of the Kangen water, I put aside my long-held aversion.

I might have an open-mind, but experience has taught me to research any new idea or product before fully embracing it. In my research on Kangen, I discovered that it is a new water purification system from Japan. This “revolutionary” water technology turns acidic, contaminated, and chlorinated tap water into healthier alkaline water.

The whole thing unraveled for me when I found out that Kangen is really a multi-level-marketing business. I came out on the losing end of quite a few of these schemes. In fact, over twenty-five years ago, a similar business duped me. It was a portable water purification container that filtered all impurities from any tap water. The more people one brought into the business, the greater the opportunity for turning a profit. I carried the container with me everywhere, but could not even convince my co-workers to buy one.

Then there was the vitamin scheme to which my doctor introduced me. I went in for my arthritic shoulder and allergies and left with a multi-level marketing vitamin business. I only had to enroll a few people “downstream” from me and success was inevitable: the “American Dream.” I ended up taking all the vitamins myself.

At this point, I became outraged at the yoga club for offering to sell the fountain of youth in the form of a multi-level marketing water purification system. Give me a break! As free spending Americans, we love to try new innovative products and technologies. Admittedly, I am more Americanized than I want to be in this regard, but there is a limit. I will not totally submerge myself in this consumerist culture of eternal youth.

All I want to do is find a great yoga class where the instructors stick to teaching stretches and relaxation. And I will drink from my eco-friendly, BPA-free, stainless steel water bottle, with water drawn from my counter tap, filtered by my American Reverse Osmosis System under my sink.

© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut

AMERICANS DIET AGAIN? NEVER!

Whether information comes from the radio, television, internet, or newspaper, one cannot help but hear the talking heads and so-called experts admonishing Americans on their weight problems.  Some overweight Americans take it personally.  They try to do something about it. On the other hand, others take a defensive stance.  They revel in the idea that being fat is gorgeous.  Even Americans of normal weight, begin to wonder if they too should be on a diet.

These experts offer solutions or suggestions as to the root cause of this problem.  Most of it, of course, is either their speculation or opinion.  Jamie Oliver, the energetic young Brit, vies for the top spot as the new guru of America’s weight problem.  He believes he has the solution to their overeating and fast food addiction.  He hopes to teach America how to cook and eat right.

On a recent episode that I stumbled across, Jamie teaches one-thousand Virginians how to cook stir-fry noodles and frozen vegetables.  He maintains that America’s diet is devoid of variety and nutritional value. Jamie Oliver’s idea of teaching Americans how to cook and eat correctly is like “selling coal to Newcastle.”  Americans already enjoy the greatest variety of food in the world, and are not scared to experiment with their palate.  Jamie’s stir-fry noodles and frozen vegetables are not going to cut it.

Some television networks, without artistic imagination or merit, use those who are overweight as cheap entertainment in the guise of a “reality show.”  Their shortcomings and failures play out for the world, larger than life, in the pretense of weight management.

Every week, “The Biggest Loser” has Americans glued to their television sets enjoying the pain of these grotesquely overweight human beings.  The host takes on an air of judge and arbiter of these people lumbering their way up some steps to an industrial-size scale.  Jillian Michaels and her partner put these people through their brutal, rigorous, and sometimes humiliating exercise regime only to find that some of these people are gaining, instead of losing, inches.

Other networks dispense with advice all together and choose to “document” the enormity of the weight problem through following the lives of individuals who have completely lost all self-control. Millions of viewers look forward to watching shows like “The 1000-pound Man.” Sadly, I am also guilty of indulging in the spectacle. I must admit that a person eating his or her way to 1000 pounds must be very determined; it makes for compelling viewing.

With the aid of their family and friends, we watch them eat their way through mountains of starch and grease every day. Watching this behavior reminded me of a captivating show about a society of insects presented on Discovery Channel. During the show, worker termites scurried about gathering food for their enormous queen. The workers’ job is to feed and protect her.

It is hard to conceive that humans could so closely mirror insect behavior. However, just like the queen termite, morbidly obese, and immobile, people require help from others to fuel their voracious appetites. Unfortunately, this is also detrimental to their health. The queen termite’s sole purpose is to lie around and reproduce; humans need to be mobile.

After catching a glimpse of the outside world while propped up in his bed for the first time in years, a TV station offered the 1000-pound man help to become mobile again, in exchange for live daily coverage. The TV producers, doctors, dieticians and camera crew created a circus-like atmosphere. After losing something like one-hundred pounds, they used a forklift to hoist him, bed and all, onto a flatbed truck, and drive him around town. People lined the streets and waved, as if paying homage to a sovereign.

Listen up America; you have it all wrong again. Americans do not want to hear how to eat, exercise or lose weight. Do not believe all that hype about overeating and fast food. You are immune to diet and exercise programs.

In my opinion, Americans became "fat" when leisure suits hit the market and became fashionable. You expanded when you could not feel your belt tightening around your waistline. Another thing, cheap sweat pants made in China got Americans hooked on comfort. You are convinced that sitting around on mountains of soft tissue is the norm. This might be stretching it a bit, however I think there is one way to attack your weight dilemma: restrict or totally ban the use of “stretchy” materials for clothing.

Spandex only temporarily alleviates your weight problem. Yet today, “Spanx” is mainstreamed. Even men wear “Spanx” to streamline their beer gut. Denim is no longer made of one hundred percent stiff cotton, but eighty percent cotton and twenty percent, you guessed it, Spandex. We no longer have to hold our breath to pull up the zipper on our jeans. It is trendy to wear something to control loose flesh. A minimum amount of flexibility in clothing is acceptable, but not solely to accommodate ever-expanding bodies. In my opinion, Americans will regain control of their weight, when they lose their addiction to elasticized materials.

© 2010 Mouth Wired Shut