How Wage Workers Will Survive The Side Effects of ObamaCare

By Te-Erika Patterson

The scope of American health care will change completely once President Obama's Affordable Care Act is implemented. The premise of the new law will require employers to provide health insurance for their full-time employees.

Workers who have previously been unable to afford healthcare are applauding this effort while on the opposite end of the spectrum, businesses and corporations struggling to regain their composure in the wake of this country's recession are seeking creative ways to offset the costs of this new initiative.

According to FoxNews.Com, Florida restaurateur John Metz, who owns and operates more than 40 restaurants across 3 states, is planning to reduce the hours of his employees while adding a 5% surcharge to the bills of the customers who frequent his restaurant.

Although the Affordable Care Act will impact a variety of businesses, those in the customer service industry will feel its effects most notably. For workers who depend on hourly wages, this may force them to seek additional employment causing them to spend less time at home with their families adding to the stress of those living at or just above the level of poverty.

What can we do to prepare for these changes?

We, the workers of the service industry who have become dependent on trading the hours of our day for wages must not be caught off guard by this transition. To prepare for this change I suggest that we:

• Minimize our lifestyles by learning to live on less income right now.
• Cut back on expenses, beginning with entertainment. Ex: Instead of spending money on alcohol at bars, buy a bottle and relax at home.
• Trade unhealthy habits like smoking and drug use for self care like exercise and sports, which in turn may allow for additional income once mastered by participating in competitions or teaching courses to others.
• Develop a skill that allows a stream of income outside of working for wages. Ex: Cutting hair, babysitting, lawn care, recycling.
• Learn to view wage work as supplemental income instead of primary income by becoming entrepreneurs.

We live in a world where self preservation is not only an instinct, it is key. Corporations will strategize to protect their best interests and so should you. Developing the mentality to move away from government assistance and dependence is the key factor in surviving during these new transitions.

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Make some noise! VOTE!

 by Kitty K. Free

The election is near. No matter which side you're on, you need to make some noise and vote. If you're one of the fortunate Americans eligible to vote, DO IT!

If you complain like I complain, and you're a citizen who is able to vote, those complaints are invalid if you don't go to the polls. If you're not registered, in most states, you have 30 days before the election to do so. The election is November 6th, so you need to register NOW! Go to the US Election Assistance Commission or Rock the Vote, to find out about registration for your state.

Already registered, but need to verify your status, or your voting location? Go here to confirm your voting information. And PLEASE vote for the legislative branch. Voter turn out is always less for Congress (see stats from the US Census Bureau's "Voting Hot Report"). Voting for your senators and representatives is just as important as voting for the president. Our government is intentionally set up so that the president doesn't have absolute power. Without a Congress that's willing to work with the president, as well as call BS when they see it (which ever side your on), it simply can't work. Part of that checks and balances is us, the citizens. If we don't contact our congress, and take them to task for their actions, then they will keep acting without favor to our needs and goals.

I heard a congressman say that if 25 people call his office about the same issue, he takes notice. We complain about lobbyist, but we are the most important lobbyist of all, because without votes, they can't keep their job. They are fully aware of that. But they are also aware of many American's general ignorance about the way our government works, and they bank on that.

If it was up to me, the Constitution, and political science, would be as mandatory as math in school. Government would be taught from the 1st straight through the 12th grade. Foreigners getting their citizenship know more about our government than many Americans. Worried about letting Congress or the government know who you are? Don't worry; they already know. So make your voice known to them. Email them, call them, write them. Be friends on Facebook with them. Tweet them. I think about the fact that It's been during my lifetime that black Americans have had the right to vote. People died so I could vote. So even in situations where I don't like either guy, I still vote. It would be completely disrespectful to the people before me, and irresponsible as an eligible American, for me not to. People in other countries are dying so they can have their voices heard. We have that right, and too many of us take it for granted. So please, vote! In every election!

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Better Block Fort Lauderdale, A Dream Come True

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist

Saturday June 16, downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Flager Arts & Technology (F.A.T.) Village community saw the vision of what downtown Fort Lauderdale could be: a walkable place where the pedestrian, the cyclist and the automobile are all equal. This event was put on by a handful of dedicated citizens in the F.A.T. Village arts district of which included Cadence Living, FAU, F.A.T. Village & UrbanMatters just to name a few.

The event was such a success everyone was asking if it would be a monthly event so that people could keep coming to downtown and enjoy all there was to offer at Florida’s first Better Block event.

Build a better block (Better Block for short) is a one day urban revitalization event held to inspire the community of the possibilities of what a rundown block that has been ignored by the city could look like. It is an event meant to inspire the individual and motivate them to go to their representatives, commissioners and city officials and demand for better places. This event filled a void in the community for the day and we hope that people take this energy and run with it, creating a livable urban space used by the community and by everyone surrounding the place.

Better Block Fort Lauderdale was closed with Fort Lauderdale’s first ever Pecha Kucha, a 20 slide presentation where presenters have 20 seconds per slide to discuss the meaning and vision behind each slide. The theme: Reimang[in]ing our city blocks, a closing that showed how we the community can create thriving urban spaces that are aesthetically pleasing while also serving purpose, form and function to all members, not just the vehicle. The presentations were a success, tickling the mind with imagination of how South Florida could be.

While I arrived early and left later than most, for the day I felt a sense of pride and saw what communities could look like. We took this block, which is located in an old warehousing district with few businesses nestled on NW 1st Avenue between NW 5th & 6th Street and created an urban city block with life featuring pop-up businesses, cafes, an urban garden, a pop-up dog park, DJ’s, a community welcome center, food trucks, art installations, wall murals and hand built street furniture which completely transformed this street and created an actual place, a destination, a location where people wanted to be for the day.

There was much to do from purchasing locally grown produce, building a terrarium, making your own Tom’s shoes, vintage clothing and vinyl records, jewelry, food, beverages, craft beers, previews to upcoming shows at the local Living Arts Studio plus an array of other things. The day was filled with shopping, socializing, eating, drinking, talking and entertainment. Friends, family and community all came by to see the hype.

All who attended left yearning for more. Better Block FTL created more than just hype, it created what so many of us yearn for, community. If you missed out on this wonderful event, please keep your eyes open for Better Block Miami.

What more info on Better Block?

betterblock.org

BetterBlockFtL


About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com

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It’s Juneteenth! What Have You Done with Your Freedom?

By Kitty K. Free

Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865, the day the announcement was made in Texas that slavery had been abolished in that state. It’s an official holiday in 41 states, still many people aren’t aware of it. I didn’t become aware of it until I was away at college in Louisiana. I have yet to go to a celebration because the date is honestly not on my radar until it actually comes; which is unfortunate. It’s a date I should celebrate just as I do July 4th. (For more info on Juneteenth go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth#Observation.)

Some will say this is an unnecessary holiday. It’s in the past after all—why bring it up? Every year we celebrate America’s independence from Britain, which is even further into the past. I feel we should have the same fervor of celebration, for this major turning point in our country’s history. There should be no shame, no guilt; just a day of wonderful celebration to acknowledge all of those before us, black and white, the good, and the bad of them, and accept our country’s collective history.

In the scope of history, our journey as Americans has been short. By our, I mean all Americans. Wounds are still open, covered with bandages and band-aids, but without true healing. I think Juneteenth should be used as a step toward that healing for all Americans, but especially for those of us who are the scions of slaves and slave masters. A step towards acceptance and closure. It should also be a time for us that are descendants of Africans who were enslaved in America, to evaluate, on an individual level, just what it is we are doing with our freedom. How are we using the sacrifices of those before us? What are our plans to make the future better for those after us? We are standing on the shoulders of people who fought and died for our freedom; what are we doing with it?

In regards to honoring Juneteenth, this is my first step; acknowledging the holiday, and spreading the word. Next year, I will make it my business to be part of the celebration and I hope you’ll join me.

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EDITORIAL: A Change Is Coming

By Christina Fermin
Politics and Society Columnist

I read the news every day. I try to access various different news agencies via the web, sometimes referring to the corporate owned media. One thing that I notice is the massive protests that take place at least once per week. I have been an avid news reader for many years, always curious to know what is happening in the rest of the world and it baffles me to see the amount of people rise against the oppression and stand up to their governments and regimes and demand change. Indeed the world is changing and as you turn on the state owned or corporate owned media, more and more they write off these protests as nothing. What’s worse is that they write off the protests as if the people have no legitimate reason for protesting.

The world is changing and there are many forces at work. More than you or I will ever understand. We are fed sound bites and clippings of what we are allowed to know by the powers that be. The people are tired and they are waking up every day to the corruption, injustice and poverty in which they live. Many times, we living in America look with pity, but the truth is that every day more people here in the States are protesting. From students to your average Joe the plumber to senior citizens who understand the trouble this country is in. While many will look at these protesters and believe they have nothing to protest about or whisper under their breath, ‘get a job.’ These people have not only a valid reason to protest, they have a Constitutional obligation to protest against the injustice that prevails.

We are fed sound bites to keep us enslaved into a system that many of us are waking
up and realizing is horribly unfair. The world is vastly different than it was 50 years ago, and to believe that we must go back to traditions and a time when things were simpler is ludicrous. There is no turning back because the past is exactly that, the past. There is only moving forward toward the future. How that future will be is entirely up to us, the people. No matter how our collective future pans out, one thing is certain we will create the future by banding together or separating ourselves, which is what the 1% want. The world is changing and it is a good thing. No reason to fear or worry, as long as you do your part to make sure the future is better for future generations, then all will be well.

Whatever your belief system is, one thing is certain, change is on the horizon. How that change comes is entirely up to us. We have seen what happens to the world when the bottom line is profit. Money breeds corruption, power and insanity. While some may agree and others will disagree, it is possible to create a society without money. Our social problems are symptoms of a more complex larger problem rooted in the way our current society is structured. Power, money, sex, fame and fortune; reworking these values is the first step in creating a more cohesive, fair, just society that can function in a state that serves the needs of the whole. A society where the bottom line is to end suffering, preserve human rights and assist in the advancement of human civilization.

Our first step is acknowledging the failure of politics, society, institutions and economic systems. Once this is acknowledged you must release the fear, when the fear is released it will give way to the creativity that will allow each of us to express our wishes for a society that is more inclusive, supporting, alive and loving. If you cannot imagine a society without money, power and a hierarchical system than you have some work to do. The time of change is upon us, our ancestors from around the world have warned us and there is nothing to fear. Change is good and change is desperately needed, now more than ever. As the uncertainty draws upon, please remember to let go of the fear and replace that fear with love, understanding and acceptance.


About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com

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Editorial: Angry? Confused? You Still Need To Vote

By Christina Fermin
Politics and Society Columnist

As election season heats up and contenders begin there battle one thing is evidently clear. Politics is not what it used to be. Sure they jab and swing at one another and at times release explosive material or say inappropriate things to one another, but this year the election has become very polarized. Especially among the republican party where ideologies have shifted all the way to the right and they have done everything in their power to make sure our President does not succeed and in doing so, have hurt our chances of recovery every day that they fight the President and democrats against legislation and bills that have traditionally been met in the middle.

In the past we have seen moderate contenders on both sides of the party lines and in the past republican and democrats have always come together and worked together to solve issues and pass legislation. Since the republicans have taken hold of Congress last election and especially won among tea party lines, the tea party republicans are more vicious and less willing to work together. During a time when our politicians need to come together and work through one of the most challenging times in the history of this nation, you have grown adults acting like children. In the last 2 years the republican party has continuously made itself look bad and continues to be the party that refuses rather than the party thats willing to. While the democrats act like they have no back bone, at least they have attempted to try and work with republicans.

Now we can sit here and blast republican leadership as well as democratic leadership in the last few years, but to be honest what do you expect? This is the danger of having a two party system that runs along two ideologies that try to fit in a straight line. We all know and understand at this point nothing is ever black and white and both parties are full of shit. They have both made the same argument for the same issues for the past 40 years and the only thing that has changed is the fact that both parties are going to the extreme end of their spectrums with the republicans a little closer to the right than the democrats are to the left.

Every time you have third contender in the mix, they are constantly overshadowed, put down and made fun of by the mainstream media. Third party candidates, no matter how badly we need them, are shunned from politics. The two party system has eroded away at our civil liberties, the balance of power and made way for corruption in our politics that is quit frankly embarrassing. The money alone in political campaign spending is mind boggling and in the millions and billions. Money that can be used for the economy, closing of loopholes, feeding our 1 in 4 starving children and I can sit here and go on. What’s worse is that instead of shunning away and punishing these politicians, we feed into their lies and we join in on their bantering no matter how shallow or uncivil it may be. While television is the main reason for this, it shows the failure in our education system that many people cannot think critically or analyze a situation to come up with their own conclusions.

While there may be many reasons why not vote this year, there are many reasons on why you should vote this year and why voting now is more important than ever. We the people outnumber the ideological fanatics that vote by a high margin. Let’s take that high margin to the ballot box and show American politics that we the people who are mostly in the middle do care and does vote. This time when you vote, do not rely on your television to choose your vote. Take some time and learn about the issues, learn about the candidates and then pick your choice. Do not allow the television to dictate your vote, we have seen in the past what happens when the television chooses our vote, don't forget about the results of the 2000 and 2004 elections.

Not registered to vote or unsure? Check out these websites to help you register: Rock the Vote or USA.gov.

About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com

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EDITORIAL: Uneccesary Subsidies

My uncle graduated from college in New York in 1975, his tuition was $0 per semester. Today that same college charges $230 per credit or $5,430 for the year full time tuition. When he told me this, my jaw dropped. He told me during the time he was in school, college was subsidized by the state. When talking to other folks of his time, I get the same story. Either school was free or a student could work part time and afford to pay for college and the cost of living. In 40 years, a lot has changed.

After poking around and talking to several people about education and the cost of higher education. It seems at some point the states stopped subsidizing tuition and began subsidizing other things. A subsidy is an assistance paid to a business or economic sector. Government usually does this to prevent decline in an industry, an increase in prices for products or to encourage hiring of more labor. With this in mind big oil has made record profits in recent years. I’m talking billions and billions and billions of dollars.

These oil and gas companies making billions of dollars in revenue, the federal government gives these companies roughly $10 billion dollars a year in subsidies. Between 2002-2008 $72.5 billion dollars were given in fossil fuel subsidies. Disturbing is it not? Especially when programs such as higher education continue to suffer and tuition increases 3-8% each year. With this in mind, our lovely U.S. Senate recently voted 51-47 to continue over $20 billion in subsidies payed for by you and I. That means while we suffer at the pump paying $4 per gallon and some families up North suffer more by not being able to afford to pay for heat, we (yes, you and I) are paying for them to screw us and harm the environment.

Now let us take a look at how the fossil fuel industry affects politics. Think Progress performed an analysis and 47 of the Senators who voted in favor of keeping oil subsidies received an astonishing $23,582,500 in campaign contributions. That’s roughly $500,000 for the Senators who voted to keep the subsidies, to get a more detailed analysis check out this website. This is how money corrupts politics and the people who control the money control the politics. This is the kind of thing that needs to stop, this is why our politicians are corrupted and this is why the average lay person could never get elected into office. With the deficit we have one would think programs such as subsidizing an industry that makes record profits would be the first to go. This is more proof of how congress has no idea nor do they have the intention of making this country better.

President Obama continues to voice his opposition to fossil fuel subsidies and we the people have to help. If we are to go towards the path of renewable energy and towards a path where tuition increases stop and cuts to education and other social programs are halted. Federal subsidies such as this one must stop. The fossil fuel industry is not the only industry that receives government help while making profits we only dream of. While there are some industries that may need government subsidies there are many who do not. Let this year be the year of change and let us vote out of office those who support programs like this and it is time we have a discussion on taking money out of politics. Write to your congress person, make a phone call or pay them a visit and make sure you let them know how you feel. Things will only change if you demand for that change. What are you waiting for?

To get a deeper understanding of these subsidies check out this site

U.S. Senate Votes to Continue Oil Subsidies

Big Oil's $38 Billion Defense

Skyrocketing College Costs

About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her atChristina@MySavvySisters.Com

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EDITORIAL: Reproductive Rights Under Attack

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist

The attack on women’s reproductive rights in recent months is astonishing. As a nation that praises itself for being modern and free and who also has a track record for individual liberties this new trend is astonishing. For the last 30 years we continue to have this ‘debate’ on abortion, contraceptives and sex education. The attacks that the political right has launched in recent months are unjustifiable, inhumane and immoral. For a party to run on a platform against too much government, this is an issue where there is WAY TOO MUCH government involved in dictating the lives of women.

The last time I read the constitution I do not ever recall reading a passage that says: Men know better than women what women want and need and therefore are allowed to dictate how women go about in their private lives. We all have the same freedoms and in no way, were those freedoms ever suppose to be limited because of religion or personal beliefs. This has gotten out of hand, especially when there are pressing political issues such as the economy, war, climate change, education, social unrest, foreign policy, healthcare, poverty, fraud, foreclosure, corruption, an election, etc. Why is women’s reproductive rights at the center of the right wing agenda?

What makes these men, because they are mostly men, experts on women’s health issues. Why do they continue to attack Planned Parenthood? Planned Parenthood provides many benefits to low income neighborhoods, they do not solely focus on abortion or contraceptives. This issue should not even be an issue. I do not care what your personal belief is on contraceptives or abortion, because what you believe should not dictate how another will act or infringe on their right to act or choose. Today I read an article that a small bomb was planted and exploded at a Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin. REALLY? Look who the terrorists are now! Last I checked, Jesus preached about compassion and acceptance and it seems his message keeps getting hijacked by fanatics.

Although no one was injured, what if they killed someone who had gone in for STD testing or a general health physical with no relation to abortion or contraceptives? What if they would have injured someone’s child they brought in for immunization shots? To top it off, this isn’t the first one, nor will it be the last one, because statistics from the National Abortion Federation reported there were 114 violent attacks last year alone! Fact of the matter is, abortion will always happen whether it is legal or illegal and as long as it is legal we can monitor it, regulate it and take preventative measures to reduce it.

Maybe if the right wasn’t so focused on abstinence only education we could reduce the number of abortions and teenage pregnancies. Here’s another tickler, people have sex because sex feels good and it’s fun and healthy. We should concentrate on developing healthy attitudes about sex so that people can grow to become good functioning citizens that contribute to society rather than make them social deviants by making them feel sinful or alienated for taking part in an activity that everyone takes part in. The underlying message from the right is they do not know or understand how to address the problems we face as a society, so they keep going back to the same comfortable argument to stir up their base and get the votes because that is the only way they are going to keep getting elected.

Politicians do not have a plan for the economy, the wars, climate change, foreign policy, healthcare, fraud, foreclosures, etc. because if they did they would not be attacking women’s health issues. If they did they would be discussing those plans and spreading those messages rather than a message of non-acceptance, ignorance and religious fanaticism. This should be a no brainer; vote out the incumbents that collect millions from lobbyists and corporations, get involved in politics, because right now the only people getting involved are those religious fanatics that want religion and politics to be united and stop being so damn complacent, because one day everything you take for granted will be gone. Stop waiting for someone else to take care it and take care of it yourself, remember the old saying: 'if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!' That includes politics.


About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

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EDITORIAL: Cornell West Says We Must Learn To Die To Truly Live

By Christina Fermin
Society & Politics

I recently went to a lecture given by Dr. Cornell West, a philosopher, author, critic and civil rights activist who teaches at Princeton University. His lecture was about empowering our youth. While I may have heard of who Dr. West was and had a general idea of what he was about, his lecture the other night was inspiring beyond anything you could ever read about him. One of the most captivating parts of his speech was his talk about how one must learn to die. Of course, he doesn’t mean literally, but metaphorically. There comes a moment in life where one must take a hard look at the beliefs, judgments, presuppositions or ideas about who we are and make adjustments.

We as humans go through various transformations in our lives and reevaluate who we are as people. Some may go through many and others will only do this a few times, but nevertheless, this is one of the most important components of being human. Learning to die is not an easy task, and it can be an emotional roller coaster, but doing so will save much heartache, pain and suffering in the long run. It is an essential process for growth in this existence, just as a crab sheds its shell to grow another one. We must learn to shed our outer shell so that we go deeper and more inward than we went before. Without these transformations we are just outer shells with no real meat or meaning inside.

Getting involved, volunteering, becoming part of a club or organization will assist in one’s personal development. The trick is to enter an environment where you are not entirely comfortable and you are forced to mingle and think outside of your comfort zone. Traveling outside of the United States will also do this and it will do this at an accelerated pace. There is no better way to learn about the world and who you are than to travel where you are constantly questioning everything. There is also no quicker way to gain confidence and find out what you’re made of than to spend some time away from home. Anytime that I have spent traveling has always taught me some valuable lessons in life and I learn so much about myself and what it means to be alive.

While it may be one of the most frightening things to do, it is necessary. If we are to fulfill our destiny and understand our journey here we have to go through a transformation. As a matter of fact we must go through several transformations. Essentially we must learn to die. In learning how to die, we face our worst fears, we re-prioritize our lives and we discover things about ourselves and life that we just did not understand before. Change is good, transformation is frightening. Learning to face your fear and moving onward is fantastic. If we are to evolve as humans and get to the next level, these things have to happen.

In my short life I have gone through some transformations already and each one scary and intimidating. Every time I have done it, I come out stronger, more prepared and with a deeper understanding of myself and the things that occur around me. As I gear up for the next one, I wonder how my future will be. When was the last time you took a hard look at yourself? When was the last time you went through a transformation? Are the walls crumbling around you? Have you lost your job? Are you getting married or going through a divorce? If you feel as though you have recently been struck with bad luck, it could be life just telling you it’s about that time. Take a good look at your life and reevaluate, re-prioritize and embrace the changes being made, how else are we to be a better people. In order for our lives to blossom we must go through the rabbit hole and out the other side.

About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

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EDITORIAL: Collaboration Trumps Competition

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist


I have recently come to the conclusion that collaboration triumphs competition. The systems currently in place does the opposite, it rewards competition over collaboration. This is where we as a civilization have reached a glass ceiling in terms of growth. I am not referring to economic growth, I’m talking about growth in terms of human consciousness, spiritual growth and living in a world that seeks to make better the human condition. The good news is that this world is possible and everyday we come to a closer understanding of the value of cooperation, collaboration and creating this world.

With such an increase in globalization and the interconnectivity of people we are beginning to understand how current institutions fail in providing the people as a whole basic needs; such as adequate shelter, clean water, nutritious food and an environment where one can grow. Technology, solutions and resources are available, but current systems and institutions prevent the best solutions to flourish and take shape. Academia is beginning to understand this along with the benefits, while the professional world strongly resists this motion, the people are beginning to realize this and ask for collaboration.

Ultimately the people run the institutions and as more people become aware the more people there are that want to collaborate and link bridges, the people will triumph over the institutions. As I have said before, the system is broken and can no longer sustain itself to survive, where it fails, people will come to fix the breaks realizing the benefits of collaboration over competition. While competition has assisted humanity to bring us modern luxury and material goods, it has also created an unintended consequence which has put most of humanity in the throes of suffering, malnourishment, leaving us mistreated, forgotten and lost. Competition creates jealousy and war. In fighting and waging war, we as a human civilization take steps backward rather than forward.

Human civilization is at a very important crossroads in terms of human consciousness and growth. We have brought this planet to the edge of an unknown paradigm where through competition we have polluted, stripped and devastated Mother Earth. This crossroads screams for collaboration if we are to survive the uncharted waters we have purposely stirred. The ancestors warned us, the human condition can get better, but it will take some hard work and dedication. While there may be much happening behind the scenes where one feels powerless, one cannot lose hope if we dedicate ourselves to participate in our own healing. As we realize these truths, we can reach out to one another and grow.

Keep sight of what’s important and realize when you die you take nothing but your experiences on this planet with you. Strive to make every day better than the last and never forget to find joy and happiness in everything you do. At the end of the day cooperating, collaborating and helping one another will be more rewarding than any competition you will ever participate in. A world where the basic needs of the people are met that rejects the notion of human suffering can exist, but it is only the decision of the people that can make it so. Take part in our healing process and become aware by becoming a participant in Life rather than an observer. The power of the people collaborating and cooperating has yet to be seen, but I feel that it will push civilization in an evolutionary bound forward, where an oasis waits and the human potential will become more than we can comprehend.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist and that is all.” ~ Oscar Wilde

About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

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EDITORIAL: Military Whistleblower Could Face Life In Prison

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society

For those who have not heard of Bradley Manning, you should take special attention. Bradley Manning is a 24 year-old Army intelligence analyst who was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of giving whistleblower Wikileaks over 700,000 classified documents pertaining to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In July 2010 he was charged with transferring classified information to an unauthorized source. Early 2011, Manning was charged with 22 other additional charges and recommended for court-martial, a military court, where you are tried by military law. Just a few days ago, his arraignment began, if convicted he could face life in prison.

Manning is suspected of leaking the infamous video Collateral Murder which shows a US helicopter killing unarmed iraqi civilians, Reuters reporters and children. If Manning is truly guilty for these crimes, I congratulate him for his courageous efforts in bringing the truth to the public about the Iraq and Afghan war. It was in light of this information that was released of the war for the people to begin the process of understanding a war that has taken over a decade to fight with the premise of ending terrorism and finding “weapons of mass destruction.” When in fact weapons of mass destruction were never in Iraq and intelligence knew this and terrorism has actually grown and become an even greater force in the Middle East.

The idea that war brings peace is an oxymoron beyond the definition of one. War will never bring peace nor will it ever truly defeat an enemy. It has become apparent in the last few years that the reasons for entering war, especially Iraq were other motivated factors with other interests which may or may not include control of oil. Whatever the reasons behind the motivation for war, it was a lie facilitated by our government, our intelligence agencies and many other actors. What Bradley Manning did was expose the rampant corruption and lies of the people we elected into power to serve our interests. Instead they attend to the coffers of those who lavish them with gifts and promises of grandeur. War is a billion dollar business.

Now because this young man, a hero if he did in fact leak this information, sits in solitary confinement, abused and cut off from family and friends in a military brig in Virginia. Bradley Manning exposed war crimes, government lies and what seems to be severe causality losses. Bradley Manning has not received fair treatment in his right to a fair and speedy trial, 295 scholars have written letters objecting to the conditions of Manning’s detention while also stating his Constitutional rights have been violated. In 2011 and again in 2012 Bradley Manning has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his act of valor. What he did will forever be remembered and we must not allow this man to go unnoticed for his efforts and we must fight for his freedom!

When will the people stand up and say enough is enough? How many more of our children have to come home in body bags to weeping mothers? How many more of our children have to come home with psychological problems beyond repair? How many more of our children have to come home with horrific disfigurations and battle scars? The toll these wars have taken on this nation have yet to come. We have just hit the tip of the iceberg with the economy and we have a generation that will have some serious issues to face in the years to come.

While I focus on the issues that pertain to us here in the US, I can only imagine the horror in Iraq and Afghanistan. With over 150,000 civilian causalities combined (conservative estimate) can you imagine the pain, suffering and destruction brought upon those countries. What will become of the next generation? How will they ever rise above third world status now? The worst part about war....it is the innocent people who suffer most. The people responsible are dead or alive somewhere else, the new people in power are corrupt to the bone, food, water and shelter are scarce and their way of life has been completely disrupted and altered and probably even scarred for life. You have a generation of people who will forever hate us here in the US.

Take action, together unified will be the only way to stop the war. It was the people who ended the Vietnam war and it will be the people again to end all wars. Peace will only come when we forge the way for Peace to blossom.

To learn more:

End the wars

http://iam.bradleymanning.org/

Afghan War

Collateral Murder Video

Bradley Manning




About the Columnist


With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

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EDITORIAL: Mortgage Bust

By Christina Fermin

Politics & Society

Recently a deal was struck with 5 of the major banks here in the U.S. over unethical mortgage practices and foreclosure abuse. Ally Financial, Bank of America, WellsFargo, Citibank and JP Morgan Chase agreed to a $26 billion settlement while lowering the principle amount owed on underwater mortgages. For those who have lost their homes to illegal foreclosure practices, they will get a measly $1,800. While the full scope of the deal has not been announced yet, I can hardly say that the banks have been held accountable or that homeowners got any real justice out of this settlement.

This was the largest case involving fraud in the history of the united States, the investigation barely scratched the surface to what could have been monumental and because of this lame duck settlement the true scope and size of the foreclosure crisis may never be known. Banks essentially have gotten away with destroying families, lives and our economy. While we bailed out the banks at over $700 billion for their shenanigans, they got off at paying up a measly $26 billion for their robo-signing and unkempt practices which has left 1 in 5 Americans owing more than their house is worth, by an average of $50,000.

This goes to show the widespread corruption on account of Wallstreet and how they inadvertently control those who we elect to power. Mayor Amschel Rothschild is famous for saying, “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes her laws.” This quote has never rang so true as it does today. For a crisis that has brought this nation to its knees and has lead to a staggering 23% unemployment rate (when you look at the real numbers), skyrocketing tuition rates, ruined our quality of living and a withing away of social safety nets NO ONE HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE. Especially when it has been proven that this economic crisis we have been facing since 2008 could have been prevented!

I for one am outraged. The banks have gotten away with economic and social murder. The middle class no longer exists in America because of the unethical greedy behavior of Wallstreet and the Banks. America the beautiful no longer exists, we live in America the plutocratic nation for the rich who control the power and wealth in this country. The mainstream media has failed to do its job in reporting the abuse and corruption that is plaguing this nation and our elected officials have failed in their oath to the Constitution and the American people. Fire Congress and throw the banksters in jail! We are the majority and they are the minority, the people can overcome this.

As election season comes into full action, we must be vocal, united and insistent about the leaders we would like to see in office. The leaders that have held incumbent seats in Congress and the career politicians must be replaced by just men and women who swear to protect the Constitution and the rights of the people and when they fail to do their duty, they must blacklisted. We must do our duty as people of a nation to be vocal and take to the ballot box. If we continue to allow Wallstreet and corrupt corporations to continue with their behavior of funding Congress and elected officials than we have lost this nation to those who have the money and everyone else no longer matters. We will continue to fall as a nation and a people until one day the history books will speak of the fall of America just as we speak of the fall of Rome.

Never in time has it been so important for you to be active and vocal on your opposition to what is going on in Politics and Business. You matter and what you do or do not do matters. We all wish for peace on Earth, but it will never come, unless we the people forge the way for that peace to come. If we want the American dream back and we want to live in a nation that is fair, free and just. Where the “pursuit of happiness” is a reality, then it must be that we the people stand up to that right and take charge. Until the masses take to the streets and to the box, marching to the hills of the White House, abuses will never cease to exist and America will eventually implode. Make your voice heard, contact your representative and voice your discontent with the direction of our county. Be someone, do something and express your rights as an individual that is part of the collective.

Contact Elected Officials or Pay them a Visit

About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

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