Related Reading:
Political Inflations?

As I close my eyes and drift away to al and where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     I was taking the time to reflect upon the recent journal article I read and briefly quoted in my previous writings. A few points of discussion were: media, politics, Mexico, Mexico - U. S. border relations, Immigration, undocumented immigrants from a historical and present perspective, drugs, cartels, gangs, terrorist groups such as: "Mexican TCOs, including the SinaloaCartel, the Gulf Cartel, the Arellano Félix Organization, Los Zetas, La Familia Michoacana, the Beltrán Leyva brothers, and the Juárez Cartel as foreign terrorist organizations (Aguilar 201 lb)" (Correa-Cabrera, Garrett & Keck, 2014), Al Qaeda, 9/11, and U. S. Homeland Security and Defence (2014). As I was reading, I remembered  my research, and paper that I wrote about school shootings, gun violence, globalization and terrorism. In this discussion a key point that is sometimes hushed is, the link between Globalization and Terrorism. There are many that support the globalist perspective. However, there are oppositions for Globalization. This is because many think that Globalization is just another word for Western or Westernization. The oppositions don't understand that ones identity, or national identity cannot be stripped from joining a Global community, and this I think is one of the key fears. It must be noted that Globalism or national and international development has always taken place, right from the aftermath of World War II, to promote international exchanges for peace promotion ("Fulbright Program," n.d.). Of course there are many examples that take shape to this day.

     But the reading of the recent article (2014) as well as my own previous research, made me think about what it means to speak about contentious issues, especially those that concern terrorism. We can write, research, and learn about terror groups; as the solider who is on-ground facing the unknown, exploring unchartered terrains, whilst knowing the dangers. But what about the dangers for the writers, or the public / published writer? We sometimes hear about the journalist who has been kidnapped, held hostage, or even shot dead. There is no negotiating the risks that are derived from the process of discovery, knowledge, or uncovering the truth. But there is a difference between a journalist, a free-lance writer, to that of a scholar or researcher. And this is what is often forgotten, or what oppositions or terrorist groups should bear in mind. 

    Political policymakers, think tanks, Government organizations, need informed information. As well other sources,  and news and media reporters, so that policy can be informed, formed. Not so necessarily for the purposes of exposure, but rather for mediations, diplomacy, building peace. Soft-power. Which is what knowledge-based economics / systems have / are gearing towards. The key issue here is the fear of lagging behind - as countries that may not be at the same levels as other countries, may feel inferior, intimidated and thus resort to violence, violent tactics, and the cycle of terrorism / violence repeats itself. This is why I felt that it was better for my own personal safety and intellectual development, to be situated within an institution, or if these were topics that I wanted to focus upon. While this thought might not deter me from publishing upon my website, I do think that there is more leverage / influence through scholarly work, towards seeking a balanced informed approach, as compared to listening to the news. But then again, I guess it really depends upon ones goals, and what one hopes to achieve.  

References: 
Correa-Cabrera, Garrett & Keck. (2014). Administrative Surveillance and Fear: Implications for U.S.-Mexico Border Relations and Governance. European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Revista Europea deEstudios Latinoamericanos y del Caribe. 96, (2014), 35-53. 

Fulbright Program. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved on September 30th, 2019 from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulbright_Program#History

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

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Related Reading:
Political Inflations?

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     I wanted to add an additional thought to my previous thought; which revealed the political tactics that are used to deter / sway political and public attention, with the key player of the media, media outlets, who acts as an aid for the political aims. These ideas are posited at the level of the macro, macro-politics. Similarly, we can analyze from a micro perspective, right down to the level of the individual, even to the very human mind. As one sets to work on tasks, goals, and becomes focused, there maybe distractions or other factors that get in the way, deterring ones attention. For these purposes one must utilize techniques that allow one to accept the challenges, that interplay with the achieving of one's goals / tasks. Releasing the pressure to realize that the larger goals are really achieved through the baby steps.

     To exemplify and add practicality to these thoughts, I have often recommended to-do lists that are then complied or ordered with priority ranking, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on. The lists can also be organized to particular areas of your life, such as: home, school, work, family. It is recommenced that the lists be complied on one page, and re-visited on a weekly or even daily basis. When we feel overwhelmed, even the simple turning of a page can contribute to cognitive overload. 

     It is vital to organize the mind / brain with what we think, focus our attention upon. Especially when we have tasks, assignments, and other administrative tasks that arrive. Cognitive overload and how we navigate tasks and challenges will obstruct, challenge us, and eventually guide / move us through. The achievement of goals from individual to individual, or who and what the individual becomes, shapes the macro <=> micro, vice versa, and the private / public spheres. Revealing the intersection and the interplay of politics and personhood.

Notes: 
These thoughts can be attributed to any individual regardless of position, and even the very politicians who are in the public domain. It should also be noted that these thoughts are not an attack on media, but rather to show how media can and will influence the microcosm, and help shape the political agendas. Digital organizers may also be able to serve for the same purpose. However, in the context of these thoughts, I prefer the use of the simple pen and paper methods. Focused upon reducing cognitive overload as much as possible.    

​     Whilst I normally just make my lists in a journal, it must be noted that I also started out with the use of agenda's, which I would especially recommend for the student: high school, college and university, or anyone who simply needs to reduce cognitive overload, build organizational skills, goal orientated and focused. The following templates are just some examples retrieved with a google search, however; for the saving of cost, a plain / lined sheets of paper can work as well.  

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 27th, 2019.
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CONGRATULATIONS ASTRO's ON YOUR 2019 AL WEST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE (American League)! A WONDERFUL SEASON SO FAR, GOOD LUCK AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE REST OF THE MLB SEASON!!! :) 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

​     Economics defines inflation as a "sustained increase in the general price level of goods and serves in an economy over a period of time" ("Inflation," n.d.). Inflation reveals that the price of goods and services increase, decreasing one's purchasing power. In a similar way we can think about media, media stories and actual news. Where there are actual stories, that we can categorize as raw / new / primary sources, in comparison to the news that is actually viewed through news broadcasts, news / media outlets. These are often paid for by corporations to sew the seeds within the public / mass public. As described in earlier writings: to mold or sway public views, opinions, and to also inflate the news / views to something more that it actually is. Exactly as the price of goods that increase, and valued more through time.

     To further this idea - we can take examples of immigration, border crisis, gang violence that takes place at the U.S.'s southern border. News media promote fear to mimic the messages that are sent on behalf of the Government of the Day. The same can also be said for Government oppositions, and those who are not in favour, or not in favour, of who gets to hold a certain amount of power. A current example is Nancy Pelosi's announcement for impeachment. For an actual process to begin there must be a certain amount of votes, in favour for impeachment. But what's interesting about this announcement is the timing. The timing was absolutely off. But we can also see why, it was to sway the publics attention, and news media attention, away from the important function of the Government. In this case we can say, the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). Where the U. S. President Donald Trump delivered the U.S. speech. The agreement or disagreement of the speech is beside the point here, but what is the point is that: instead of putting forth a united front within party politics, the democrats split with the announcement for impeachment. Inevitably news media / talks moved from focusing on what the USA had offered at the 74th UNGA, to hearing the many views, and justifications as to why there was a call for this move. These thoughts are an example of inflated news or the creation of "anti-state phenomena based on media spectacle" (Correa-Cabrera, Garrett & Keck, 2014). 

     Moves such as this can be termed as the under siege of a nation. Opposition continuously blocks the good, to portray negativity, or in this case gossip, "he said, she said" politics. I think that it is fair to say that Democrats have justified themselves as the real dividers of a nation; who don't want to work towards solving the real issues, such as taking a humanitarian and security response at the U.S. souther border, providing a constructive response to the UNGA speech, and even a unified front as world leaders arrive in America: the host nation of the 74th UNGA.  Maybe impeachment or any other inquiry is relevant for the purposes of a checks and balancing system? However, the timing reveals the vicious intentions to serve as dividers.

Further Resources:

*Fox News: Trump speaks at 74th Session of the UN General Assembly. 

*ABC News: Pelosi announces Trump impeachment Inquiry

References:

Correa-Cabrera, Garrett & Keck. (2014). Administrative Surveillance and Fear: Implications for U.S.-Mexico Border Relations and Governance. European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Revista Europea deEstudios Latinoamericanos y del Caribe. 96, (2014), 35-53.

Foucault, Mich. (2008) The Birth of Biopolitics. (Burchall, G., Trans.). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

Inflation. (n. d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 26th, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 26th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     Well the time has come where the world's parliament convenes, for the 74th annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This is a time of happiness, where diverse leaders meet, a time of opportunity, to express accomplishments, agonies and frustrations, that arise upon the agenda of the leaders who have gathered to represent their nation. As we look towards the speeches, we are reminded of the many global level challenges. As humans we ourselves are challenged or even limited, as to what we possess the ability to focus upon. Yet, the convening of leaders in one location allows us to hear thoughts, and think about issues, to formulate global perspectives. 

     This is what I thought about with regards to the tensions of Kashmir, India and Pakistan. It's especially disheartening when there is cultural heritage and shared histories between the two nations. Of course leaders themselves are aware of this, but it's the politics that make innocent people suffer. We can assimilate Kashmir to such a territory / land, to that of the Israel / Palestine - West Bank, where there is also Arab - Israeli tensions. The U. S. / Mexico border can also be brought to the discussion, except we don't see or hear of the escalation of violence as we do from Kashmir, or the West Bank, until recently where the throwing of tear gas at migrants were a mimicry of global tensions surrounding bordering spaces. Or the manipulation of immigration policy to hurt the most vulnerable of people.  The similarities between the examples offered, burst to the outcry: the age-old war between Palestine and Israel. Where lands have been allocated as plots, or bases for wars to control. Not just from the level of the people, but also to build pressure upon leaders. Whilst we can make assumptions such as these, it goes without saying - it doesn't matter if one is Indian or Pakistani, what is taking place in Kashmir is very dis-heartening. Examples include: India's Revoking Special rights to the Muslim-Majority state, Government-imposed curfews, and as previously noted, the firing of pellets to the Pakistani - administered Kashmir. We cannot cheer Modi, even as we treasure the shared history and culture, without acknowledging the escalations, tensions and unrest of Kashmir. And for this-I am grateful for the protests that took place outside of NRG stadium, Houston, Texas. It should also be noted that views such as these are not directed as a personal attack to Indians, but are speaking to what is taking place within Kashmir. 

     When we think of the rallies for climate change, I wonder what about the rallies for humans?
*Kashmir
*Jammu - Kashmir
*Palestine
*Syria
*Venezuela
*Honduras
*...... the list can go on and on and on...
When will there be rallies for humans? When I say this I not only focus upon global leaders, I think of the young attendees / participants, who are advocating for climate change. It is encouraging to hear the voices of the youth, for their love and care of our one and only planet. But we must also realize how these voices are being molded. 

     It goes without saying that humans need a healthy world to survive - essential for the human survival. But don't humans also need humans to survive? To actually be able to live in a world that one is advocating for? As world leaders seek the opportunity to voice their concerns, we must also be mindful that there are balanced arguments, particularly from the voices of youth and leaders. We can't turn the human "race" or the world to one single color. So why would we want future generations to focus on one single issue? Similarly climate change is one social constructional issue of focus, it can't be the defining issue of our times. Especially when we think of the destructions, or mass destructions that humans themselves are causing upon humans. 

Further Reading:

The New York Times - What Is Article 370, and WhyDoes It Matter in Kashmir?

Houston Press - Thousands Protest Modi-Trump Rally in Houston

The Times of India - Ready to mediate on Kashmir if Pakistan and India agree: Trump 

The Jerusalem Post - Israeli – Palestinian conflict that has been shaping the Holy Land for a century.

USA Today - One deadly week reveals where the immigration crisis begins — and where it ends

I look forward to what the 74th UNGA has to offer.
My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 23rd, 2019.
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Update: Since originally writing these thoughts, Pakistani - administered Kashmir and the Punjab Province was struck by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. We send out love, prayer and condolences to those whose lives were taken, injured and suffered.

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     When we think of a rose garden, I am automatically reminded of the White House's Rose Garden. Not only a beautiful land shaped setting, but a space that has been utilized as a base for delivering speeches, hosting national and foreign leaders, question time with the press, and so on. We could even call such a space a place for the formation of democracy. Whilst the Rose Garden of the White House is famous, we can associate parks, gardens, or protected public lands as spaces for building community, relationships, recreational as well as democracy. This is what I thought about when I recently viewed the filming for a T.V. series. 

     As I normally do, I decided to take a walk to the park, I saw a crowd and wondered what was taking place. It was there where I learned that filming was taking place. I was excited, as I wondered what was being filmed, and who the director, actors / actresses were. So I decide to stay awhile and watch. During this process the many interconnections of past, present and future came to life. Such as the cast dressed in clothing that seemed to be associated with 1970's; the breaks taken to re-touch, and touch-up make-up, as well as technologies for filming itself. Many different talents came together to create one scene, one act, or a film / movie.

    I associated this personal experiences and observation with democracy, or a democratic exchange. The observation itself lends itself well to the current debate linked to education and interests. We see the practical uses of one's skills, talents and education come to life. No single field, talent, or even level of education is supreme over another. It just depends on what you are interested in - and pursue that. A person who loves make-up artistry would value what a naturopathic / medical doctor might do, but could careless to pursue that as a passion, talent, career, and vice-versa. We could also think of many other examples, such as a social scientist who knows that societal benefits of research are reaped at a very slow pace, but still plows away with excitement and discovery. It simply depends on what you are interested in.

     We can take this observation further because of the content that was being filmed. That seemed to touch upon a political topic of equal rights for women and voting. We see much of the same, or groups who are advocating for the same. So even whilst we still do decide to pursue what we love; given the opportunity, what we do also has the capacity for the shaping of politics, policy and democracy. In this case example: revealing education policy, K-12, higher education, trades / skills, that are as important as each other. They require focused attention and advocacy for all. For the purposes of developing good policy, and investments for present and future generations. Equal access to education, training and programs, regardless of socio-economic status.

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally had-written on September 19th, 2019. Please note that the location of my personal experience has been kept private for personal safety. Thank you. 
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​As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

*Dem Debate
Related Reading:
Democratic Debate 2019
Peaches?! :)
2020

    On September 12th 2019 the third democratic debate took place at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. 10 Democratic candidates took the stage to demonstrate why they should be worthy of being the democratic nominee 2020. As I watched the live debate, the series of questions and responses reminded me of my graduate classes. Particularly focused upon Higher Education and the Internationalization of Education. Most, if not all of the questions that were asked, I had written about previously, and published upon our website. Possessing some sort of knowledge excited me, and re-ignited my passion to learn more about the topics such as: immigration reform; pressing issues facing minority and majority populations. As previously sought out the idea of "race" has to be viewed differently in America. Especially due to the history of slavery and segregation. The last thing we would ever want is a repetition of these. 

*HBCU's and HSI's 
Related Reading:
Towards Integration
The Hispanic / Latino Student
​
     Whilst there is evidence to reveal that individuals do learn better with role models that they can relate with, it is also a duty of these individuals to help others understand the beauty that can be found within difference and diversity. These thoughts were especially spurred with the topic of HBCU's. I think that there had been a lot of development for  HBCU's. These institutions should have opportunity to work along-side other institutions to promote dialogue and racial intersections. When I say this, others might question: well what about HSI's? HSI's are still a fairly new initiative, we don't even hear a single candidate talking or discussing these initiatives. Whilst they do arrive with their own systemic politics, they cater towards the Hispanic / Latino student populations. HSI's could learn from HBCU models, but the difference between HSI's is that existing institutions are given this designate according to the % proportion population that is Hispanic / Latino. I prefer this idea because students are being served with their needs, such as: addressing language barriers, but they are also integrated with the rest of student populations, within the higher educational institution.
(Benítez , 2008, Flink, 2017)

*Immigration reform
Related Reading 
Prosperity For All

     The reoccuring themes, questions and topics also reveal how much has not been accomplished by the Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Issues such as health-care, border crisis', and immigration reform still need to be attended to. Social scientists have predicted a hispanic / latino population increase (Benítez, 1998, Diaz- Strong et al., 2010, Flink, 2019, ). The forecasted stats are being ignored to this day; as we continue to hear demands for control, or rhetorics of hate. The fact is that everyone wants immigration reform, but no one is quite sure what that would look like. Whilst I'm no legal specialist, I think that the easiest way to begin is to look at what exists right now, to what one would hope for. Meaning Point A -> Point B. Of course the issues are more complex, but we have to begin somewhere, which is why we need legal specialists, those who understand what effective immigration reform to develop good immigration policy. 

*Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

     This thought is also linked to the idea of offering temporary protected status (Gonzalez, 2019) to Venezuelan's, and why not? It only seems fitting. The current list of counts on the list for TPS are: 
El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
Nepal
Nicaragua
Somalia
Sudan
South Sudan
Syria
Yemen
US Citizenship and Immigration Services

Venezuela should also be included on this list, with also mechanisms to expedite a TPS for these individuals. Individuals entering the USA with a TPS need to feel safe as well as a dignified entry. This offering could potentially become a source of building trust between nations. Protecting Venezuelan's, whilst creating jobs and job security for service providers in America. The United States could also work with Columbia to ensure the safety for migration, and to address the migrant crisis (Gonzalez, 2019). Of course TPS would be something that the USA is willing to engage with. Sometimes when you hear about all the $'s that are being sent as aid, you wonder if the aid is really reaching the Venezuelan's in need. Maybe the offering of TPS and connecting with key allies in Latin America, would be a wake-up call to the Maduro regime? If you don't want to take care of your people, we will. 

Conclusion
     
    Over all the responses discussed the systemic gaps, healthcare, education, criminal / legal systems, veterans, immigration, immigration reform, US Foreign Policy, including the troop presence / withdrawal and the Afghanistan peace process. At some point during the debate it sounded like the same cycle repeating itself. Again revealing the work that congress has yet to get done. Each sector / issues needs to be tackled by forming working groups, and delegating tasks. A President or candidate alone can formulate a vision, but the vision can only become possible with an effective team. In the same way - macro-policy can help to create shifts, send an aggregate message to specialists and skilled workers, but these can really become effective: person-to-person, one to another, and also depending upon what those messages / policies are.  

References:

Benítez, M. (1998).Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities. NEW DIRECTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION. Summer108, 57-68

Flink, J. P. (2017). Latinos and Higher Education: A Literature Review. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education.1-13. 

Gonzalez, S. J. (2019). The Venezuelan Crisis and Salvador Allende's Glasses. PRISM: SECURITY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 8 (1), 40-55. ​

Strong-Diaz, D., Gomez. C., Luna-Duarte. E., M., Meiners., R. E. (2010). Purged: Undocumented Students, Financial Aid Policies, and Access to Higher Eduction. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education. 10 (2), 107 - 119. 

Further Reading:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services - Temporary Protected Status

ABC News - 3rd Democratic debate: Candidates clashed on health care, immigration and more

Houston Chronicle - Here are the 10 candidates in the Houston Democratic presidential debate

Other Topics:
Healthcare, Universal Healthcare, Obama Care:
Health Integration
Shazi For Senate? ;)

For more thoughts on any of the topics concerning the Democratic Debate, Republican or Democrat please feel free to type a keyword in the search bar to access thought resources to the topics. 


My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 16th, 2019.
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     Thank you Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team UK, for your North American tour in USA and Canada. Your presence  reminded me of my childhood days, family and friends. I was also reminded of our loved Priceless, Princess Diana and the Royal Family. I left the UK just a few weeks after Princess Diana's tragic death, which is why the memory evokes much emotion. The memories evoked the following poem.

*
William and Harry were younger than I.
Two little boys, who lost thier mum.
A Princess famed, and utterly loved by nation.
Taken too soon.
I think of what you would have accomplished, 
​for the world to this day.

William and Harry.
Now you are married, Kate and Megan.
With beautiful children:
Charlotte, George, Louis and Archie.
Grandma Diana, sounds really cute,
I'm sure she's proud of her boys.
​*

    Whilst I have taken a side-step from British politics, there is much commotion with Brexit deal or no deal, and the latest Government shutdown, I felt that it was important to write with this regard, especially for maintaining diplomacy, peace, as well as a simple thanks! :)

Dedication: I would like to dedicate this visit and words to the mother and father of Fred Cuellar: Elvira Cuellar and former Lieutenant and Veteran Hector Cuellar, US Air Force and Veteran. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 13th 2019. 
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All other photos and videos are my own. 

Shrine Peace Memorial, Toronto, Ontario
Enacted to commemorate over 100 years of peaceful relations between USA and Canada. 

     As I walked along this memorial, I was excited and intrigued by the wings that reminded me of eagle wings, angelic, and also lady liberty in New York, USA. I felt grateful as I was reminded of historical efforts that were invested to build alliances of peace between nations. Today as I reflect, I think about how new memorials such as these could be build to inform present generations of the work that needs to be done to maintain efforts of previous leaders and generations. Whilst we fight for what is most dear to our hears, we have to also remember which battles deserve to be attended to and also when - when we must engage in diplomacy, relational building for peace, nation and allies. This is what it means to sacrifice and serve for the love of nation. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 13th, 2019.
All images and videos are my own.