Category Archives: Society

Tony Blair Rewards all But Those Who Complain, Who’s The Easy Saver Now

The Blair rewards program is a brilliant illustration of the political circus. As the global climate continues to spiral into economic ruin Blair rewards continue to create controversy and mistrust of government officials. It is good to see individuals rising up to question the Blair rewards as they make a mockery of the intelligence of the populous.

Blair rewards complaints are not new; however, they are becoming more main stream, which is making it more difficult to sweep the controversy of the Blair rewards program under the rug. Several Blair rewards complaints have resulted in greater attention to the action of our public officials. Sadly, the Blair rewards program would likely not have been put under such scrutiny if it was not such a transparent program for self-promotion and self-interest.

It is as though the blair rewards program has taken a chapter from the lobbyist’s handbook of achieving one’s own self interest no matter what the cost is for other individuals. The Blair rewards complaints are likely to result in nothing more than a political slap on the wrist resulting in a bit of bad press before the next sensational story comes about for journalists to pursue. In the mean time, spinning the Blair rewards program is easily accomplished through rhetoric and various other political tactics.

Unfortunately, Blair rewards complaints are nothing more than discourse catalyzing no change or modification of behavior by politicians and the status quo. The level of openness regarding the blatant favor-seeking behavior as illustrated through the Blair rewards program should be somewhat suspicious. Like many other things in the world, it propagates a certain acceptance by the general public that politicians are not trustworthy and therefore the Blair rewards program opens the door for future politicians to simply follow suit. The general population then becomes more accepting of such practices as a result of being lulled into submission by the precedence set forth by Blair rewards.

The precedent set by the Blair rewards program is then an open ticket for more open political lobbying practices. As we move forward, the population becomes more and more desensitized to this type of behavior creating a vacuum for future misconduct. Blair rewards can be similarly described as the way businesses interact with one another. The difference is that the Blair rewards program is funded by the general public and the only stakeholder that is benefiting from the program is Tony Blair.

If the Blair rewards complaints fail to carry any consequences, then there is really no reason to change the practices. Essentially, without consequences the Blair rewards program is a program that is surrounded by only upside potential for continuing the practice. Politicians are well-accustomed to negative press and they understand that the general public is forgetful as a result of such things being so far out of their domain for understanding. It is easy for the public to forgive such actions when they place themselves in a position of thinking that the politicians must have more information at their disposal, which is justification enough for propagating such behavior.

Bobby Blair is politically conscious individual that is keen on addressing blair rewards complaints. Issues like the blair rewards program are good examples of the problems that we face as a society. Left unchallenged this type of behavior can go unmitigated and result in additional social problems for the world.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

Auditing The FED: Could It Become A Reality?

Although not many Americans understand the inner workings of the Federal Reserve (FED) Thomas Woods, the author of Meltdown points out, “3 out of 4 of them want it to be audited–simply for the common sense reasoning of ‘why wouldn’t we want it audited?'”

The FED controls the money supply for the entire nation. It also manipulates interest rates through the buying and selling of bonds and by directly setting the Federal Overnight Funds Rate, the rate at which it charges private banks to borrow money from it in order to meet reserve requirements and respond to consumer withdrawals.

But what does the FED really do with all of the money that it is control of? It’s certainly not any conspiracy theory to consider that, for instance, the FED may be working in conjunction with the CIA in order to manipulate the global political scene in the interests of the United States. What if the FED is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in major Wall Street banks in order to manipulate their stock prices? Whether or not the FED is doing anything “wrong”, the American taxpayers have the right to want it to be as transparent as other major financial institutions.

Yet, there is very little transparency about the Federal Reserve. Nobody outside of the FED really knows what the FED is doing with monetary policy at any given time. Some say that that Bill HR 1207, a.k.a. Ron Paul’s Audit the FED Bill, is not sensible because the FED is already audited. But…is it?

If the FED is already audited, why then the near total lack of transparency? Why is every Federal Reserve officer, including Chairman Ben Bernanke, ranting and raving that this bill, if passed into law, would compromise America’s financial security? Why is Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner siding with them on this?

As Thomas Woods says, “People don’t act this way unless they’ve got something to hide. They just don’t.”

Can it be a good sign that those who are in total control of our money supply are hiding whatever it is that they do? If the FED were already being audited, why isn’t Bernanke’s protest against HR 1207 simply that it would be redundant overkill? Why does President Obama, who believes himself to be the President of Change, completely side with Geithner in not wanting this bill to be passed? There is nothing changed or different about this secrecy from above in our government, whereby those who think they know what’s best for us haughtily try to save us from ourselves.

HR 1207 is seen as so important that every Republican in the House of Representatives, as well as the majority of Democrats, wants to sign it into law. When we have such bipartisan agreement under this current, typically divisive liberal government, it can only be a sign that something of extreme importance is being discussed.

Watch the Nabers Group interview with author Thomas Woods here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJR9CPZt6eE.

ABOUT JEFF NABERS:

Jeff Nabers is a nationally recognized educator, speaker, and consultant specializing in the topic of personal finance and self-directed wealth management.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

The Latest Health Study Of 9/11 Survivors And Rescue Workers Is Raising Serious Concerns Among Leading Experts And Politicians Alike

According to the World Trade Center Medical Working Group of New York City’s 2009 Annual Report on 9/11 Health, long-term medical and mental health problems continue to rise in the terrorist attack victims. The report also underscores the urgent need for increased special federal funding for medical services and additional research. [http://home.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2009/pr418-09_report.pdf]

“It’s critically important to sickened 9/11 heroes and heroines that they are not forgotten as the majority of them still don’t have the proper health care and struggle with medical insurance companies,” says Steven M. Centore, author of One of Them: A First Responder’s Story.

Mr. Centore, who is a 9/11 first responder, a federal employee and a Navy veteran, details his own battles with medical insurance companies and the federal government in his book—battles that have made his many 9/11-related health problems all the more painful to deal with.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg released the Annual Report on 9/11 Health, which was based on recent medical and environmental research.

“We will do whatever is needed to take care of those who came to our aid after the city’s darkest day,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

Appointed by the mayor two years ago, The World Trade Center Medical Working Group is comprised of health experts in the fields of science, medicine and government. Its aim is to examine and analyze research findings on health impacts caused by the September 11 attack.

“It’s eight years after the attack and 9/11 victims continue to fight for the government’s attention and help,” adds Mr. Centore. “They put their own health, their own lives and the futures of their families on the line when the nation needed them, and they deserve respect for their sacrifices.”

Mr. Centore has appeared at congressional hearings to fight for the rights of the thousands of first responders. In his book he details his own personal account of his experience at Ground Zero on 9/11.

To learn more about how you can help or to buy the nationally acclaimed book One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, visit www.SteveCentore.com or www.wadv-oneofthem.com. The book is also available on Borders.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

For more information about One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, contact Steven M. Centore directly at Scentore@yahoo.com.

WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED VETERANS, INC. and author Steven M. Centore chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote One of Them: A First Responder’s Story. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

The Inside Story, William E. Mayer’s Warriors – No Place for the Meek

A magnificent two volume book set of “Beyond the Call, Memoirs of a Medical Visionary”, the life and times of Dr. William E. Mayer, has just been released and is available through national distribution in book stores and online everywhere. This is the stirring biography of one of America’s most noted, dedicated and decorated heroes. From his beginnings in the military, to his courageous climb in civil service and political station in government office, his career was a true and valiantly fought war of a different kind…for the rights and dignity of the US warrior and private citizen of the United States. Every soldier honors his country, his fellow military brother or sister and those who have passed in valor by committing to memory and living by the very principles that make the American soldier the best and toughest fighting machine in the world…the Military Code of Conduct…brought about by the work of William E Mayer, MD in the study of POW’s and their behavior following the Korean War.

Dr. Mayer relates with great candor, the unvarnished realities of dealing with medical incompetence, how it happens and why it happens with great clarity and brutal honesty. He recorded each event of his personal missions over the tours of duty in some of the hottest combat zones of Korea, the Middle East and Washington DC. Dr. Mayer was never a shy, retiring type, but a warrior who welcomed the challenge to get it right, correct it now and build it strong with conviction, drive and purpose.

From his broad perspective as a dedicated military officer, Assistant US Secretary of Defense and Assistant U.S. Surgeon General, these books expose the unsavory secrets of political incompetence and corrupt practices that were in his charge to fix and then police. He became one of the most respected physicians in government. He will take you there word by word, action by action and event by event in these two volumes that you will never put down until finished. He is charming, witty, poignant and sometimes brutal, but will never polish the truth.

“Beyond the Call, Memoirs of a Medical Visionary” is published by Mayer, Publishing Group International located in University Place, Washington and Albuquerque New Mexico. The book is available directly from http://www.amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Dealer discounts offered through Baker & Taylor & Ingram.

Review copies are available to accredited media venues by contacting: review@wyndhamhouse.com or calling (760) 978-4122. When requesting via e-mail, please provide your name, title, organization, address and phone number.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

Governor Pat Quinn Approves Bill to Create Illinois State Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages Targeting Youth

Governor Pat Quinn last week approved legislation that creates a new state advisory council to help state government develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention messages targeting youth.

The legislation, House Bill 3974 sponsored by State Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) and State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) would create the Advisory Council on Youth HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages to advise the Illinois Department of Public Health on effective prevention messages to deter youth from engaging in risky behaviors that lead to HIV/AIDS infections.

“The percentage of Illinois HIV/AIDS infections that is represented by youth has been growing enormously over the last eight years, and that growth, in part, represents a failure of HIV/AIDS prevention messages to effectively reach youth” said Cathy Krieger, President & CEO of The Children’s Place Association based in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.

“We are grateful to Governor Quinn that he recognizes the problem of youth HIV/AIDS infections and is acting to address the problem.”

On February 27, 2009, at the 2nd annual Illinois Youth & HIV/AIDS Forum sponsored by The Children’s Place Association, the Illinois Department of Public Health presented data that revealed that the youth proportion of reported HIV/AIDS infections in Illinois has grown from 10% in 2000 to 20% in 2008—a 100% increase.

“This is a staggering increase,” said Krieger.

In addition to the IDPH data, new research was presented by Dr. Dexter Voisin, an Associate Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration that examined the attitudes of Chicago-area college students in seven focus groups, including blacks, Latinos, whites, males, females, and gay men—regarding HIV/AIDS prevention messages.

The research findings revealed all groups reported a significant reduction in the intensity, range, and the length of media messages on HIV prevention and testing over the last 5 years.

More specifically, the research showed that young blacks and Latinos in Chicago tend to distrust most sources of government information on HIV/AIDS prevention. And young Latina women in Chicago fear getting an HIV/AIDS test out of concern that they may be labeled negatively as “fast” women.

Additionally, all respondents said they would be likely to take their parents seriously if they spoke to them about sex and HIV/AIDS transmission.

Of the 50 students who participated in the focus group research—only one had been tested for HIV/AIDS.

“The bottom line is that AIDS awareness initiatives and media prevention messages targeted at young people in Chicago – and African-Americans and Latinos in particular – are not working,” said Krieger. “We think the advisory council approved by Governor Quinn is a good step to address the problem.”

The Children’s Place Association is Illinois’ only child welfare agency exclusively dedicated to the care of HIV/AIDS infected children and families in Illinois.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

Members Of The Senate Judiciary Committee Vote To Confirm Federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor As Supreme Court Justice – The Nation’s First Latina Supreme Court Justice

Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT), a non-for-profit dedicated to enhancing quality-of-life issues between Mexico and the United States, congratulates the Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee for their vote to confirm Federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor as this nation’s first Latina Supreme Court Justice.

Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together

“We are pleased to see how this process finally focused on the issues and the qualifications of this exceptional candidate. We have full confidence that the Senate will do the same and that our next Supreme Court Justice will be Federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor. This is an extraordinary moment for us as Americans and an unforgettable day as Latinos,” said MATT Chair Alonso Ancira.

The San Antonio-based organization counts with over 300,000 on-line members throughout the country. “Of note to our members is the political courage demonstrated today on behalf of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who voted in favor of Sotomayor. We congratulate him for voting his conscience and not along party lines,” concludes Ancira.

###

Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) was established to serve as the voice of reason influencing policy to improve U.S./Mexico relations. MATT’s mission is to encourage Mexicans and Americans to come together to bridge the gaps of understanding so that we may truly prosper together. MATT has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration solutions, offering innovative public policy solutions, raising public awareness and visiting with policy-makers since 2006. MATT is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business and thought leaders from the U.S. and Mexico. For more information about MATT.org, visit www.matt.org or call 210-270-0300.

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons Awards Contract to WeInterpret.Net

We Interpret.Net has signed a contract with the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons. Their local office is located at 6100 Seagull St. NE Suite B105 (Seagull Office Plaza) in Albuquerque, NM. We Interpret.Net along with is partner company, We Interpret Linked, both headquartered in the state of Maryland has been providing Sign Language Interpreting services since 1996 primarily on the East Coast. This new contract affords the citizens of New Mexico with state wide quality interpreting service coordination, internship opportunities for new interpreters, education and outreach, and emergency hospital service coordination in Las Cruces.

weinterpret

WeInterpret.Net is also a sponsor for Continuing Education Credits through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. In addition to the management staff, full time interpreters, both Deaf and Hearing, will be hired. Individuals who would like to sub contract to provide Interpreting services are encouraged to register at www.WeInterpret.Net.

Appropriate communication methods vary by individual and We Interpret.Net can provide interpreters skilled in American Sign Language, Signed English, The Rochester Method, Cued Speech, Oral Interpretation and Tactile Methods for the Deaf/Blind individuals. In specific areas of New Mexico interpreters are in short supply. In addition to the on-site interpreters who will be directed from this office, there is a call center in Owings Mills, Maryland to provide Video Interpreting in the rural parts of the state. “Office staff who are also certified interpreters, along with our Video Interpreting solution allow the agency to respond to every request with qualified interpreters even on the busiest of days or during the overnight and weekend hours.” Stated Deb McKerrow, Director of New Mexico opperations.

About WeInterpret.Net
Maryland Interpreting Services, a Maryland corporation doing business as We Interpret.Net (www.WeInterpret.Net) and We Interpret Linked (www.WeInterpretLinked.com) was established in 1996. Owner and President, David Stephenson is a nationally certified interpreter. Since its establishment, it has provided some 6 million hours of interpreting services to some 900 customers through offices in Utah, Virginia, Maryland and New Mexico. Staff Interpreters and Independent Sub-Contractors numbering over 1000 provide on-site and Video Remote Interpreting.

About New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
The State of New Mexico, Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons provides effective leadership, education, advocacy and programs to reduce barriers to the social, economic, educational, cultural and intellectual well – being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Mexicans and their families, friends and colleagues. (www.cdhh.state.nm.us).

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

Leading AML Service Integrates Full Electoral Register

The full 2009 Electoral Register has now been integrated into the Tracesmart anti-money laundering (AML) identity check service. The inclusion of the full 2009 Electoral Register, one of the many positive datasets the system interrogates, will ensure as many legitimate individuals as possible are cleared by the ID check at the first instance.

Tracesmart Corporate‘s AML service allows users to perform identity checks that help them to fulfil their AML ‘Know Your Customer‘ obligations, and it meets the standards set for electronic verification prescribed by the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG).

The UK Electoral Register has two formats – the edited Electoral Register which is available for any commercial use, but does not contain the entire UK electorate as individuals are able to ‘opt out’; and the full Electoral Register which can only be used by companies for credit referencing and anti-money laundering purposes, but contains the entire UK electorate.

Utilising the full 2009 Electoral Register will enhance the pass rate of legitimate individuals at the initial check stage. Historically, the system utilised edited Electoral Register data as part of the identity check, which whilst highly accurate, could marginally affect the initial check pass rate, due to the opt-out clause; this meant further checks – such as document verification – would have to be conducted. Chris Rothwell, Sales Director at Tracesmart, highlighted how the addition of the full Electoral Register will make for quicker identity checks.

“The integration of the full 2009 Electoral Register into our AML system, means that our service users can now swiftly and efficiently identify more of their clients without requesting additional documentation. However, the ability to verify identity documents such as passports, driving licences, credit or debit cards and utility bills, has been preserved in case further checks are required. The system ensures that identity checks are conducted in a business friendly manner, whilst also meeting anti-money laundering obligations.” 

This latest update to the AML service follows on f r o m the recent introduction of a ‘single click’ search interface. Previously, users had to build the identity profile of an individual by searching d a t a s e t s and verifying details through a multi-tabbed interface. Whilst many Tracesmart clients found this interface conducive to their business needs, customer feedback indentified the need for a ‘single click’ check. Mike Trezise, Managing Director at Tracesmart, believes this customer-centric approach to service development is one of the company’s strongest points. 

“We have always believed it to be truly important that there is a constant dialogue between ourselves and our clients, especially concerning the services themselves. After all, it’s our clients that use the systems day in, day out, so it essential that their needs are fulfilled. As such, Tracesmart will continue to listen to its customers, front-line staff and market research, to develop its services accordingly.”

 

Access to the full Electoral Register data, via Tracesmart’s AML service, is only available to companies who meet strict data protection pre-requisites.

About Tracesmart

  • Tracesmart Limited was formed in 1999 and supplies a diverse range of consumer data cleansing, identity check and tracing tools to a wide variety of industries. Their client base ranges f r o m SME to Blue Chip, who are all recipients of bespoke solutions, built around their specific needs.
  • Chris Rothwell, Tracesmart’s Sales Director, previously worked in both the financial markets and tracing industry. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Chris is well placed to head up the corporate sales team.
  • Mike Trezise is the founder and Managing Director of Tracesmart. With over 25 years tracing and fraud analysis experience, his unrivalled knowledge provides the company with a distinct competitive advantage.

Statewide Tea Party Planned at Florida State Capitol on May 16th

A state wide Florida Tea Party is being planned for May 16th, 2009 and will be held at the state capitol in Tallahassee. Rather than being held on the steps of the old Capitol Building as the two previous rallies were, this rally will be held in Waller Park which will better accommodate the large gathering that is expected.

Waller Park is located between the Supreme Court building and Duval Street, behind the new capitol building.

The rally will begin at 12 noon and end at 1:30pm

It is suggested that you bring your own folding chairs.

Up to date information can be seen at http://tallytea.ning.com

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases

Northwestern University: Developing Leaders In Public Policy

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies has launched its second online master’s degree, providing students the opportunity to experience distance learning from Northwestern’s prestigious faculty while maintaining their professional careers.

The Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) online degree parallels the existing on-campus program’s curriculum and course structure. The online format enables students to engage in the program’s interactive learning environment that encourages active participation with peers and faculty.

The MPPA online degree program is designed for current and aspiring leaders who seek to positively impact society through the development, analysis, or implementation of public policy. The program is taught by current leaders in the field to students who are motivated to apply systematic thinking and pragmatic solutions to contribute to positive and relevant societal outcomes.

“Students in this program will be able to influence and implement policy that will make a direct impact on current and future generations,” said Joel Shapiro, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies. “Many are leaders in their profession now and will cultivate their skills to make a difference in society.”

In myriad fields, Northwestern MPPA graduates are not only shaping meaningful policy but they’re providing substantive leadership, applying policy in ways that make a positive difference.

“In public policy you can make a difference on a very large scale. It’s an opportunity to help a whole community, perhaps a whole society,” said Jonathan Schachter, MPPA faculty member. “It sounds idealistic, but it’s true. That’s why I like teaching public policy students. They care about the way the world around them works and about finding ways to make it better.”

To find out more about Northwestern University’s online Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, contact a Northwestern University enrollment advisor at 1-866-664-3347.

About Northwestern University 
Northwestern University, founded in 1851 and located just north of Chicago, Illinois is one of the nation’s top-ranked research institutions. With a distinguished faculty, exceptional resources, and innovative programming, the School of Continuing Studies is celebrating 75 years of continuing excellence. Northwestern University and the MPPA program are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA). This regional accrediting body is recognized by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE).

Via EPR Network
More Government press releases