After reading the commentary below, please express your own thoughts. Instructions on how to do so
are written at the bottom of this column. Thank you.
I've written about it over the last two years 'til I'm blue in the face. There is racism, bigotry and prejudice in the United States and - in many ways - it's worse today than it was 50 years ago before the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land. It's definitely worse since the majority of our nation's voters twice elected an African-American to be our President.
The New York City Grand Jury decision not to indict a white police officer for...some sort of crime...in connection with the chokehold death of an unarmed black man...was a travesty of justice...as was the Grand Jury decision not to indict another white cop in connection with the death of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri.
Why should a perfectly law abiding, African-American citizen be fearful and anxious of a Caucasian police officer? Cops across America are generally good. Not all Americans are racists...and neither are all police. But that being said, why do some policemen resort to deadly force against black males? Law enforcement officers cannot be biased against anybody. However...it's obvious there are different standards for whites in our country than there are for blacks. Black men - specifically young black men - are in many, many cases and in many, many cities...automatically perceived as a threat. The unfortunate disgrace is that black males are thought to be guilty until proven innocent. The results in the future can be - as they have been in the past - the deaths of two African-American men...(or more). In plain, simple terms...that's racism. That's bigotry. That's despicable.
The question remains...if Eric Garner and Michael Brown were white...would they have been treated the same way? I don't think so.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD
Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
One of the chief
goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to entice
others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author is
writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Two years ago - on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd, 2012 - The Controversy was launched with my first commentary. Today - Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, 2014 - The Controversy celebrates our 2nd Anniversary with number 123 in my series of columns. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
After reading the editorial below, please express your own thoughts. Instructions on how to do so are written at the bottom. Thank you.
Hollywood was my dream for life. But he turned that dream in to a nightmare of death. I was an aspiring actress with a love for the thespian world. During the 1960s, I performed on television - first in commercials and later in such series as The Beverly Hillbillies, Mr. Ed, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Petticoat Junction. Film directors saw me as an up and coming star after sharing the silver screen with Dean Martin in The Wrecking Crew; one of Dean's "Matt Helm" counter-espionage movies. But I am perhaps most identified in the role of Jennifer North in Valley Of The Dolls - based on the steamy novel written by Jacqueline Susann - and for which I earned a Golden Globe Award nomination. From Playboy to Vogue to Esquire, I was a high-profile model...appearing regularly in fashion magazines and as a so-called "cover girl." But he destroyed my hopes and everything I longed to achieve. He savagely orchestrated my horrific murder.
He...is Charles Manson. And I...am Sharon Tate.
On August 9th, 1969 - at the age of 26 - I was eight and a half months pregnant with my first child...a son. My husband was prominent film director, Roman Polanski. My parents were enthusiastically awaiting the birth of their first grandchild. But...along with four others...I - and my unborn baby - became victims of the infamous "Manson Family"...when with 16 punctures to my body...I was violently and viciously stabbed to death in my Los Angeles home. I am buried...holding my son in my arms.
The notorious Manson was convicted in 1971 of conspiracy to commit murder...for plotting a series of grisly homicides. He had been sentenced to death, but this useless creature's penalty was overturned in 1972 when the California Supreme Court temporarily abolished capital punishment. Unfortunately, when the death penalty was later reinstated in California, it did not affect Manson...who remains incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison. And although he has been eligible for parole on a dozen separate occasions... thankfully, prison officials have rightfully decided...12 times over the years... to deny parole to Manson...and that to release this animal...this beast...back in to society...would be a travesty of justice. Parole won't be considered again until the spring of 2027...and - if he's still alive - Manson will be nearly 93 years old.
But now...a 25-year old woman - whose name I refuse to mention, as it would only provide her with unwarranted publicity, and who must in some way be mentally unbalanced - wants to marry Manson. She must be out of her mind - a real nut job. Manson is a convicted felon who is responsible for ending the lives of numerous people. He deserves no happiness; only suffering. And at 80 years of age, he should not be entitled to any pleasures whatsoever. Therefore, to allow Manson - a maniacal madman - to be given any form of rights...or privileges...should not be validated. Published reports say that prison officials won't give Manson any conjugal visits with his bimbo bride once they have tied the knot sometime in December. Why would this half-baked, harebrained hussy want to hook-up - let alone, marry - the mastermind of a cold-blooded murder spree?
I was a sweet, kind and caring person...who my husband, Roman called "too nice"...and Charles Manson took away my life and my opportunity to enjoy the love of my spouse, children and grandchildren. And yet now...the State of California and prison authorities may actually permit the nuptials of Manson to a woman who obviously has an agenda and an ulterior motive for marrying an unstable and deranged, psychopathic killer who doctors have diagnosed with schizophrenia and paranoid delusional disorder. They can reportedly even invite up to 10 guests; as long as they're not prison inmates. The powers-that-be have stated that Manson will be granted a short kiss after he and his soon-to-be wife recite their vows and say, "I do." For her sake...hopefully it won't be a kiss of death.
For 45 years, I have made every effort to haunt this scumbag from the grave he put me in...but nothing fears him...for he has no soul...and he has no heart. God willing...the hearts and souls of prison officials in California will keep Manson behind bars forever...scrub and squelch this marriage mockery... and not give him any ounce of joy or jubilation. And that someday... someday....Charles Manson will be greeted...by the pitchfork of the devil himself.
Sharon...I couldn't have said it better myself.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD
Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
One of the chief
goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to entice
others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author is
writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
The following is my point
of view. What's yours? After reading this column, please write your thoughts
in the comment box below and share a link to The Controversy (www.TheControversy.net) with everyone in your e-mail directory...on your Facebook
page...and on your Twitter feed. Thank you.
If you're a Democrat and you didn't vote in the Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 midterm elections then...SHAME ON YOU!
Two-thirds of American adults - 18 years of age and older - ignored the Constitutional process on Election Day and refused to cast their ballots. So if you're a Democrat and you're complaining today that the United States Senate and the House of Representatives will both have control in Congress come January, 2015 then...SHUT YOUR MOUTHS! You have no business bitching about anything because you did nothing to help the Democrats be elected and you did a great deal to cause them to lose.
Despite the loss by Democrats earlier this week...I want to be confident that the Republicans on Capitol Hill will stop the gridlock from one end of Pennsylvania Avenue to the other and that the GOP and its leaders - Speaker of the House John Boehner
and
presumed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell -
will work together with President Obama in a way that is best for America and Americans.
I can only hope that on Election Day 2016 that those of you Democrats, who in 2014, didn't bother to perform your duty and act responsibly by voting...will think about what happened this time around when you don't vote...and that you will run...not walk...to the polls two years from now.
On Tuesday, November 4th 2014, we Democrats lost the Senate. On Tuesday, November 8th, 2016, let's not lose the Presidency...and let's take back the Senate and the House of Representatives. On Tuesday night, November 8th, 2016, I want to hear all the television network anchors report..."The 45th President of the United States will be...Hillary Rodham Clinton."
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD
Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
One of the chief
goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to entice
others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author is
writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
The Controversy this week makes a prediction. With the midterm elections coming up tomorrow - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - count on the Democrats winning, winning, winning...and you can bet on the Democrats to keep control of the United States Senate. Take it to the bank.
That being said...every single American adult - EVERYONE - 18 years of age and older MUST get to the polls on November 4th and you MUST cast your ballots. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent...your vote could make the difference in your favorite candidate winning. If the polls are correct, many elections are going to be very, very close...so turnout is essential. I realize that you've read this...or heard this...over and over and over again...in every local, state and national election...but it's so very true. If you don't vote, then you have no business complaining if your candidates and your political party don't win. That's my bi-partisan statement.
As for my partisan comment...if you're a Democrat...and you don't want the Republicans in Congress to give President Obama more grief than he deserves, then make sure you vote for every Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. The same applies for those of you who are voting for the Governor of your state and the mayors of your cities. Vote Democrat!
Don't let the Republicans in Congress and Republican Governors try to destroy education in our country. Don't let Republicans make it easier for people to purchase guns. We must have stronger and tougher gun control laws. And, of course, don't let Republicans on Capitol Hill focus on efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act...because - since that can never happen - Congress - as a whole - needs to concentrate on more priorities concerning Americans than by attempting to do away with a law of the land that has been endorsed by all three branches of the federal government.
The Republicans must lose their elections and the Democrats must be victorious. It's the only way to keep America moving forward and on a proper path for peace...for economic prosperity...for an increase in the minimum wage...a continued decrease in unemployment...and for everything that will be good and great for the United States of America.
So again...vote for Democrats...and keep America headed in the right direction. Or I really should say...in the "left" direction.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD
Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
One of the chief
goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to entice
others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author is
writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
After reading this column, please
write your thoughts in the comment box below and share a link to The Controversy with everyone in your e-mail
directories...on your Facebook pages...and on your Twitter feeds. Thank
you.
Have you touched the saliva, vomit, sweat, feces, blood, mucus, tears, breast milk, semen or vaginal discharge of a person who has ebola? If your answer is "No"...then YOU DON'T HAVE EBOLA...AND YOU CANNOT GET EBOLA.
I'm not a doctor...and as the old saying goes..."I don't play one on TV"... but according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention...and the National Institutes Of Health...the average American cannot and will not get ebola. The concern is for healthcare workers who are caring for an ebola patient - doctors, nurses, etc. But if they are properly trained...they too will not get ebola.
There is no outbreak of ebola in the United States...and based on facts... not fiction...not fantasy...not myth...there never will be. An epidemic uncertainty...along with worrying for the people of the nations in the western part of Africa...is justified - but not for Americans.
As for people entering the United States from areas of Africa...there are only a handful of American airports where that is possible. And again...the CDC and the NIH say those individuals are observed and tested - temperatures taken, etc. - to confirm if there is the remote chance whatsoever of someone being positively ill with ebola.
You must have DIRECT CONTACT with one of the aforementioned bodily fluids of someone who is symptomatic, sick and infectious...with ebola...to get the disease. Plain and simple.
So STOP THE PANIC. STOP THE HYSTERIA.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD
Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
One of the chief
goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to entice
others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author is
writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
It was a night that was jam-packed with emotional tributes. It was a night when one may have expected the ghosts - the giants of New York Yankees history - Ruth...Gehrig...DiMaggio...and Mantle...just to name a few - to appear from an imaginary corn "field of dreams"...to offer 40-year old Derek Jeter immortality...as the Yankee star he deserves to be...now...and forever.
In a world where some Major League Baseball superstars are accused of using performance enhancing drugs...and some of the top National Football League players are suspended - and arrested - for domestic violence and child abuse...we then have Derek Jeter - an athlete extraordinaire - who has always been given an infinite amount of respect...for he is the ultimate role model for people young and old alike...and a golden boy who oozes with class. Derek Jeter is known to be so nice...so special...and so naturally tender with compassion, humanity and heart...that even his rivals have got to adore him.
If the scene at Yankee Stadium last Thursday, September 25th, 2014 was part of a motion picture or television show...nobody would believe that it could happen. Many would think it was the imagination...the fantasy...of a Hollywood screenwriter. But Derek Jeter's last at bat at home in the Yankee pinstripes was anything but fantasy - certainly no fairytale - and altogether "2" awesome. A walk-off single by the Yankees captain to win the game against the Baltimore Orioles was the perfect way for all of us who love Derek to remember him. Oh we'll remember Derek Jeter for many other wonderful performances on the diamond...both as a superb shortstop and while up at the plate making hit after hit after hit...but the image of Derek's opposite-field single last Thursday night...and the RBI to beat the Orioles by a score of 6 to 5...will stick in our memory banks for years and centuries to come. It was a picturesque conclusion to a colossal career. Of today's Yankees...number 2... is clearly...number one.
It is the romance of baseball. Let us fondly recall...back to July 9th, 2011...that Derek - doing it in style - belted a home run for his 3000th hit. Couple that with his walk-off single for his last at bat at Yankee Stadium...and "Captain Clutch" made a storybook ending become reality. This is one of those moments that every baseball fan should experience...one of those moments we will always treasure. So let's savor the moment. For me... nobody can change my mind that the
miracle that is Derek Jeter... combined with the miracle of God...didn't
offer the fans of the "Bronx Bombers"...exactly what we needed...to end
an illustrious career. After all...it rained in "The Big Apple" -
practically all day - but throughout the game last Thursday
night...Mother Nature gave Derek...his teammates...and baseball fans
from near and far...clear skies. With the cloudburst of showers before
the game...along with simultaneous sunshine as the first pitch neared...the "Earth Mother" painted a ravishing and radiant rainbow of colors...arched over Yankee Stadium. And the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow...was Derek Jeter. If that's not romance...then what is?
Baseball is beautiful. Baseball is magical. And players like Derek Jeter have helped to make it that way. Yankees management need to start building a stadium monument next to those honoring the legends of yesteryear...who from that great big diamond at heaven's gate...were smiling Thursday night. And if Hollywood does produce the Derek Jeter movie, it'll end with that walk-off single...giving us chills and goosebumps...with the playing of Frank Sinatra's New York, New York.
Derek Jeter made Yankees fans happy for 20 years...and he continued to do so as he took his last swing at Yankee Stadium. What a thrilling end to a story...for a guy who - on the field...and off the field - could never let us down.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication
of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin.
One of the
chief goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to
entice others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author
is writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
After reading this column, please write your thoughts
in the comment box below and share a link to The
Controversy with everyone in your e-mail directories...on your Facebook
pages...and on your Twitter feeds. Thank you.
The Controversy is not going to give an opinion this week. Not because I don't have one...I always have an opinion. But this blog was created so that I could express my points of view...and by doing so...to then trigger a conversation among other people.
The Controversy is intended to spark ideas, impressions and reactions from my readers. Many, many thousands of Americans and people all around the world have been logging on to this blog and reading my commentaries throughout the last 22 months. But in order for The Controversy to continue - let me repeat that please - in order for The Controversy to continue...it must entice a discussion between Democrats and Republicans...between those who say "yes" about an issue and those who say "no"...and between people who argue over a controversial matter and say "this should be done" or "that should be done." What is it that YOU stand for? Do you agree or do you disagree? What is that makes YOUR blood boil?
So this week...the nation is talking about domestic violence and child abuse...and whether a person - especially those who are famous athletes - are innocent until proven guilty...or guilty until proven innocent. Of course in the United States...ALL Americans are considered innocent until proven guilty. But does everybody actually feel that way? And with social media... surveillance cameras in practically every building and on street corners and highway poles...and everyone with the capability of shooting a video from their cell phones...are people convicted in the public eye before they ever go to trial?
Were the Baltimore Ravens right or wrong to suspend running back Ray Rice for allegedly beating his then fiance (now wife) on February 15th, 2014 and dragging her unconscious body from a building elevator? And yes - unless a person is convicted of a crime - as a journalist, I must refer to the incident as being an "alleged" beating. Rice was released by the Ravens on September 8th, 2014 after TMZ made public the video, which caused Rice to be indicted by a grand jury on March 17th, 2014. Oh I know most of you - like me - have seen the video...but should a person be tried in a public forum before being entitled to a courthouse trial with a judge and jury?
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Do you believe the Minnesota Vikings are correct to not let running back Adrian Peterson play football while he is suspected of child abuse? Peterson was indicted earlier this month for disciplining his four-year old son...allegedly spanking him with a tree branch. On September 12th, 2014, the team deactivated Peterson. But on September 15th...Vikings management reinstated him. After that...the Radisson Hotel chain cancelled its advertising with the Vikings. Two days later, the team decided to again put Peterson on the sidelines and to indefinitely suspend him. Peterson has also been dropped from representing Nike and other corporate sponsors...plus Peterson's jerseys have been removed from numerous stores including Target, Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority.
Another professional football player from the National Football League faces domestic violence charges. Police arrested Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer on September 18th, 2014 for allegedly headbutting his wife during a domestic dispute last July after she refused to have sex with her husband the day before. Dwyer was also charged with child abuse after he allegedly threw a shoe at his 17-month old son. Dwyer says he never assaulted his wife and that he never harmed his child. However, the Cardinals last week deactivated Dwyer from all team activities. So do you feel Dwyer should be chased off the field before a court of law proves that the charges against him are justified?
Dwyer has been placed on the Cardinals "Reserve/Non-Football Illness List" while Adrian Peterson's name is on the NFL's "Exempt List"...which states the league's commissioner has declared a player to be temporarily exempt from counting within the Active List limit. Also on the "Exempt List" is Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy who is currently appealing his conviction for assaulting and threatening his girlfriend. The Panthers say Hardy won't play anymore games until his domestic violence case is resolved. Is the team right...or is the team wrong? However, just because a player is on the "Exempt List" doesn't mean they don't get paid their salaries. As for Peterson...he'll still be receiving a weekly paycheck of about six-hundred-ninety-one-thousand dollars.
With national companies cancelling contracts with athletes and teams...is the suspension of players all about the money and the millions and billions of dollars that advertisers spend to sponsor sports teams and sporting events? And there are many other questions that are stirring the pot all across the United States concerning whether the NFL or NFL teams should toss their players aside before a judge or jury finds them guilty. Should the NFL do that...or should players be allowed on the field while they fight their accusers and defend themselves in a court of law?
Again...I'm not saying a word about my own personal thoughts - at least not now - but I want YOU...I ASK YOU...and I must have YOU...the tens of thousands of readers of The Controversy to put in your "two cents" (so to speak)...and to express your thoughts...to shout out your written opinions...and to verbally bash each other - if that's what you want to do and if that's what it takes...to get you to speak your mind. The Controversy NEEDS YOU...to challenge each other in a spirited conversation. And then to re-post a link to The Controversy on your Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and with every e-mail you send out. The Controversy lives or dies by what YOU think. So it's up to you. You can post a nice comment...or you can spew venom. You can be kind to one another...or you can be hateful. Vent out your frustrations and feelings in whatever way floats your boat. But speak up. I know you have something to say...so say it here.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication
of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin. One of the
chief goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to
entice others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author
is writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy. Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
The following is my point of view. What's yours? After reading this column, please write your thoughts in the comment box below and share a link to The Controversy with everyone in your e-mail directory...on your Facebook page...and on your Twitter feed.
"I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore." Those words were written by Academy Award winner Paddy Chayefsky for his 1976 screenplay of the motion picture, Network...and
they were articulated by Oscar winning actor, Peter Finch's character, Howard Beale. But when will someone in real life - someone with the power to do something in this country...and in this world...use those words?
The President of the United States of America - Barack Obama - on Wednesday night, September 10th, 2014...in a similar sense...conveyed a similar statement...albeit for a different reason.
Mentally deranged barbarians from the terrorist organization, ISIS...which is also known as ISIL...have now executed three innocent men...beheading them for absolutely nothing they did wrong.
First...a little clarification for those of you - like me - who were somewhat confused by the use of two different names for the same vile and atrocious group.
ISIS stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria...with Syria including an undefined region around that nation. ISIL translates to mean the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant...with the Levant being the area around Syria... which historically includes Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. The name ISIL indicates that the militants want to control the geography beyond Iraq and Syria.
I don't know how many of my readers have logged on to the Internet and
viewed the horrific videos of American journalists James Foley
and Steven Sotloff...
and British aid worker David Haines being executed, but personally, I did not have the desire or the stomach to do so.
Just knowing about such unspeakable and despicably evil acts is bad enough. Unfortunately, I accidentally came across gruesome photos that are haunting, repulsive and saddening.
The entire world is well aware of these tragedies. But if these three men - Foley, Sotloff and Haines - were not guilty for any wrongdoing whatsoever... why have they been senselessly murdered? Why have their lives been ended in such a heinous and hideous manner?
Although I refuse to go on-line and watch any of the videos...I've read that this last video - two and a half minutes in length - is titled...A Message To The Allies Of America. As he is about to be beheaded...David Haines identifies himself by name and declares that he holds British Prime Minister David Cameron and his predecessor, Tony Blair
"responsible for my execution" because his homeland leaders "can't find the courage to say no to the Americans." Did Haines mean what he said? We will never know for sure. But what is it that ISIS has against the United States? What is it that these ISIS...or ISIL psychopaths have...against Americans?
The two Americans were reporters - on assignment - doing their jobs. And the Brit traveled to Syria to help victims of the war. None of these men were participants in combat. None of these men deserved to die. But the monsters of ISIS are on a mission to annihilate Americans and those who support us.
So what do we do to stop ISIS...and how do we do it? I in no way want to see another American killed by ISIS. But I also don't want any of our brave, valiant and heroic military men and women to risk their lives on the ground in Iraq or Syria. Our nation has been at war - in one form or another - since September 11, 2001. Whether it be on our own soil on 9/11...or in Iraq, Afghanistan or now Syria...too many American lives have suffered. Too many American lives have been lost.
But ISIS...or ISIL - as President Obama prefers to call this syndicate of scumbags - must be stopped. In his speech last Wednesday night...the President made it boldly clear that "we will degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL." But can that goal be reached and accomplished without any more heartache...without any more sorrow...without any more bloodshed...and without any more Americans being harmed or killed? The brutality must come to an end.
President Obama says, "It will take time to eradicate a cancer like ISIL." I just hope it doesn't take too much time.
Somehow... someway...the United States and its allies must rid the planet Earth of the cesspool that is ISIS. To do so...President Obama promises us... that he "will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil." I pray that he can keep that promise.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication
of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin. One of the
chief goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to
entice others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author
is writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
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pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy. Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
The Controversy is taking a new approach this week - and may do the same in future weeks. Instead of writing a detailed commentary...I am asking my readers one question - to stir the pot...so to speak - in the hope to spark a conversation among those who log on to this blog.
August 15th, 2015 will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was August 15th, 1945 when the Japanese government had accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration...which called for the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers - the coalition headed by Japan, Germany and Italy - that opposed the United States and its allies. However - for you history buffs - the German army surrendered in Italy on April 29th, 1945...on the Western front on May 7th, 1945...and on the Eastern front on May 8th, 1945.
So my question - which was asked in a recent survey by CBS News - is... "How likely is another World War in your lifetime?"
In the CBS News poll...30 percent of the people answered that it is "very likely" that they will experience another World War in their lifetime...while 37 percent responded by stating "somewhat likely"...31 percent said "not likely"... and 2 percent had no opinion. Considering that only individuals age 18 or over are surveyed...that means that two-thirds of American adults feel there is a good possibility that the United States will be involved in World War III at some point between now and the next...let's say...60 or 70 years. I find that mind-boggling. I in no way can believe there would ever be another World War. If there was...we can all say goodbye to the planet Earth. And I think every country realizes that as being a fact.
Unlike World War I and World War II...a World War III would involve Weapons of Mass Destruction - defined by Wikipedia as - "a nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical or other weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans or cause great damage to man-made structures (such as buildings), natural structures (such as mountains) or the biosphere." In other words...World War III means...the end of the world. World War III means...Armageddon. World War III means...we all die. And no nation could be...or would be...that stupid.
No country...no terrorist organization that is supported by a country...or group of countries...will ever be able to win a World War III. Such a conflict would be so catastrophic that there would be nobody left alive. Humanity... and life of any kind - as we know it - would be done and over...and God - or whatever supreme being that you may believe in - would have to begin all over again.
Every world leader is well aware that the stakes are way too high for another World War. Once any nation uses a nuclear bomb - that country...and every country knows...that the planet Earth...will go BOOM!
It therefore amazes me that 67 percent of Americans believe that it is either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" that they will see another World War in their lifetime.
But that's my point of view. What's yours? Please write your thoughts in the comment box below and share a link to The Controversy with everyone in your e-mail directory...on your Facebook page...and on your Twitter feed.
I would agree with the great Nobel Prize winning scientist, Albert Einstein who said..."I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought...but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication
of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin. One of the
chief goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to
entice others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author
is writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy. Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
On this Labor Day Weekend...we, as Americans - some Americans, not all - are provided with a day off from work...and a day of festivities - tomorrow, Monday, September 1st, 2014 - to honor the working people of the United States. As defined by Wikipedia...Labor Day "is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of their country."
But throughout my entire childhood and nearly all of my adult life - for me...and for millions and millions of other people across the nation - Labor Day represented a day for The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon. Unfortunately and shamefully...Jerry was wrongfully fired by MDA executives after his 2010 program. The telethon - a 21 and a half-hour annual event was reduced to 6 hours in 2011 - without Jerry - to 3 hours in 2012...to 2 hours in 2013...and to a scheduled 2 hours for this year, 2014.
MDA has lost millions and millions of dollars since Jerry was removed as the host of the telethon and as the National Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Without Jerry...published reports of the organization's federal tax returns have shown that MDA hasn't been able to collect as much as 50 percent of the money pledged.
Although it's been four years since Jerry Lewis was cruelly terminated as the host of HIS telethon...I am still amazed...and somewhat angry...by the MDA's insensitive and cold-hearted actions to give him the axe when Jerry was so instrumental in building the Muscular Dystrophy Association...raising billions of dollars to better the lives of "Jerry's Kids"...and for making The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon an American tradition and a national treasure for more than half a century.
I have no respect for the people who now run the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I still make my contribution every year because I wouldn't want to hurt the people of our country who suffer from any of the neuromuscular diseases that my dollars might help. But how did the Board of Directors of the MDA take away control of an organization...from a man - a beloved hero - who made the MDA and the telethon what they were from the very beginning? The stupidity of the MDA brass...to boot out someone...whose accomplishments made its foundation as successful as it was for nearly 60 years...made no sense to me...and I never will understand their lunatic logic.
Each year The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon was one of television's biggest productions. It was a huge extravaganza that brought star power to America's television screens. But more importantly...Jerry brought love...passion...laughter...and tears...to each of us who were watching...and - as was Jerry - we were all devoted to the telethon so that the tote board exceeded at least...one more dollar...over the previous year's total.
It hurts to not see Jerry Lewis on Labor Day. Labor Day is not the same without Jerry and his telethon. The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon was a Jerry Lewis brand...and it was something special for Jerry...for the MDA...and for all of us. Now...without Jerry...it is nothing.
Jerry Lewis is one of the world's greatest humanitarians of all time. He is an icon...who with his heart...his hands...and his head...developed a telethon and an organization, which benefited nearly every human on the planet Earth in one way or another. Jerry Lewis is symbolic of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Therefore...to dissect that symbol...the inept leaders of the MDA did not only make a poor decision...but simply put...they were wrong. To put Jerry Lewis out to pasture - so to speak - when he still had so much to offer... and so much to do...was disgraceful. After all...if it ain't broke...don't fix it.
Jerry Lewis began his telethons to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952. Until 1965...Jerry hosted local telethons including those that aired on television stations in New York City for the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. In 1966...The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon became syndicated and a national happening. Over a period of almost six decades...Jerry Lewis was responsible for raising nearly 3 billion dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jerry spent practically his entire adult life unselfishly helping his "kids."
To not see Jerry Lewis sing his closing song at the end of each telethon... is sorely missed on Labor Day. As it brought tears to Jerry's eyes...and tears to our eyes while he sang it...Jerry's performance of "You'll Never Walk Alone" put a smile on all the faces of "Jerry's Kids"...and on all the faces of us who watched...because we knew...Jerry did it again. He hosted and produced a telethon that entertained us...informed us...educated us...and not only raised awareness of the seriousness and severity of neuromuscular diseases...but Jerry raised more and more money to prolong the lives and the quality of life for an enormous amount of people.
I discovered a video on YouTube...which I urge you to watch today...if like me...you too are having "Jerry Lewis withdrawal"...and have a desire and a need...to see Jerry sing his signature trademark. It will take you down memory lane with Jerry singing from 1976 through his last telethon in 2010. So I hope you will click on the link below...(you may have to copy and paste the link in to your browser)...and that you will embrace the five minutes and thirteen seconds of Jerry Lewis and "You'll Never Walk Alone." I promise you...it will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling on this Labor Day Weekend.
Jerry Lewis WAS the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jerry Lewis WAS the Labor Day telethon. But Jerry Lewis IS STILL...the heart and soul that breathed life in to the MDA and HIS telethon...and IS STILL...the heart and soul that breathed life in to HIS "kids."
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=O3-j9zLfChg
The Controversy is a publication
of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin.
One of the
chief goals of a blog...one of the major reasons to publish a blog...is to
entice others to express their opinions about the subject for which the author
is writing. The Controversy is being read by a tremendous amount of people
throughout the United States of America and all around the world. If you agree
or disagree...your views are welcomed. Tell me that you love what I write...or
that you hate it. Give your name...make up one...or remain anonymous if you
prefer. The Controversy is your outlet to speak your mind and to say what you
want about the topics discussed. Please share The Controversy with others by
posting it on Facebook, Twitter and on other social media forums. Please also
pass a link to everyone in your e-mail directories. The Controversy wants to know your
thoughts on the column above or on any other commentary or essay written on this
blog.
The Controversy will make an effort to
publish a new commentary every Sunday. Unscheduled essays may appear, from time
to time, on other days as well
Now, please express your opinions.
Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your remarks in the box that
appears. Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on
the word "Publish." Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2014 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
