END OF THE YEAR REFLECTION & ONE QUESTION: WHAT DO WE INTEND TO DO IN 2019? (Italian version at the bottom)

RIFLESSIONE DI FINE D'ANNO & UNA DOMANDA: COSA INTENDIAMO FARE NEL 2019? (Italiano in basso)

Will will we do good? Or evil? Will we help others, especially those in need? Will we work to improve ourselves and try our best to help others and our community, the world, to make it a better place? Will we recognize and correct our mistakes? Or will we continue to be arrogant and procrastinate in our stubbornness? Will we be peaceful, generous and be patient with our needs and those of others? Will we forgive others or hold grudges forever? Will we be kind or unkind? Will we dedicate ourselves to our families or to debauchery (immorality)? Will we be considerate/generous with our own needs and the needs of others? Will we be tolerant of others' differences? Or will we closed minded/hearted, unforgiving, selfish and indifferent procrastinators? 

The choices are ours to make- aren't they? Let's also realize and remember that: "What goes around comes around." or the similar saying from the Bible: " You shall reap what you sow."  Because it is true, that generally- we are the ones who create our successes and happiness in this world. Even though I realize, that sometimes others can cause us hardship, pain and misery. But in that case- we have to move away from those individuals- whenever it is feasible- or possible for us. In the end our happiness, our health (of mind, body and soul) is mostly up to us. 

However, let's not forget that almighty God, his saints and angels can help us in this life. But they can only do so when we ask for their assistance and guidance. So, ask and you shall receive!

Why? Because God doesn't impose His holy will on anyone- in fact, God has given us freedom of choice- so we can chose good or evil. The other reason is because God doesn't want to be loved by robots, but by people who are free. That is true love. 

May you and your family have a; healthy, happy, serene, peaceful, fruitful and prosperous 2019. Health is the most important thing we have- because without it- we can't accomplish/get anything. By health I don't mean just physical well-being, but total wellness, meaning; good/sound mind, a strong body and generous soul!

May God Bless all of you, our families, our good faithful friends/companions and colleagues. 

And may God bless the USA and guide its leaders, and all of us, to the truth and social and environmental justice for the good of all the world. 

Italian version:
COSA INTENDIAMO FARE NEL 2019? FARE BENE? / MALE? MIGLIORARE? PEGGIORARE? AIUTARE IL PROSSIMO?

Faremo del bene? O il male? Lavoreremo per migliorare noi stessi e fare del nostro meglio- aiutaremo gli altri- specialmente quelli che hanno piu' bisogno?  Saremo parte delle nostra comunità, e c'impegneremo lavorando per  creare un mondo migliore? Riconosceremo e correggeremo i nostri errori con umilta'? O continueremo ad essere arroganti e procrastinanti nella nostra testardaggine? Saremo pacifici, generosi e pazienti con noi stessi e con gli altri? O saremo sempre sgarbati aggressivi e violenti (con parole e opere)? Perdoneremo gli altri o manterremo rancore per sempre? Saremo gentili o scortesi? Ci dedicheremo alle nostre famiglie o alla depravazione (immoralità)? Saremo premurosi e generosi con i nostri bisogni e i bisogni altrui? O saremo dei procrastinatori egoisti e indifferenti? Saremo tolleranti verso le differenze altri? Oppure saremo testardi con la mentalità e un cuore chiuso, spietato, egoista e indifferente?

Le scelte sono nostre da fare, non e' cosi? Ma dobbiamo anche capire e ricordare il detto: "Quello che semini raccogli." Perché generalmente, siamo noi quelli che creano i nostri successi, la felicità, o i nostri problemi- a seconda delle nostre scelte che facciamo. 
Ma, mi rendo conto che a volte sono gli altri che ci causano disagi, dolore e sofferenza. In tal caso, dobbiamo stare alla larga da queste persone- quando che ci fanno soffrire inutilmente. Allora, in tal caso, quando ci è possibile, dobbiamo stare lontani da questi individui che ci amareggiano- per evitare sofferenze, violenze e/o abusi- sia per noi che i nostri cari.

Alla fine la nostra felicità (la nostra salute mentale, phisica e  spirituale (dell'anima) dipende principalmente da noi. Tuttavia, non dimentichiamo che Dio onnipotente, i suoi santi e i suoi angeli sono sempre a nostra disposizione- loro vogliono aiutarci in questa vita. Ma possono farlo solo se chiediamo la loro assistenza e guida. Infatti, Dio non c'impone niente, e non impone neanche la Sua santa volontà a nessuno. Quindi, chiedi e riceverai!

Ma perche' Dio ci lascia liberi di agire e fare quello che vogliamo? Questo me lo chiedo spesso- specialmente quando succedono violenze orrende. Penso che Dio ci abbia dato la libertà di scelta- e quindi di scegliere il bene o il male- perché IL VERO AMORE si puo' dimostrare solo con la liberta'.
Dio, infatti, non vuole essere amato da persone che sono obbligate, o ammaestrate come dei robot, ma vuole essere rispettato, pensato e amato da persone libere. Questo è il vero amore. 

Auguro che tu e la tua famiglia possiate avere un'anno pieno di benessere/salute, felicita', serenita'- un pacifico, fruttuoso e prospero 2019!

 

 La salute è la cosa più importante che abbiamo perché senza di essa non possiamo ottenere nulla. Con la parola salute intendo dire; una buona e sana mente, un corpo forte e un'anima generosa!

Possa Dio benedire tutti voi, le nostre famiglie, i nostri buoni amici e colleghi. 

E che Dio benedica gli Stati Uniti e tutti i suoi leaders- che abbiano come obbiettivo la verità, e la giustizia sociale e ambientale, per il bene di tutto il mondo! Buon anno!

SHOCK & AWE...

is a film based on true events- the lies that that led to the US invasion of Iraq- every voting adult should watch to see how some of our government leaders sometime lie to get the US into wars!

 

This story is based on true events; when in 2003, the Bush administration prepared to invade Iraq, skeptical journalists from the Knight Ridder News organization, investigated the event that let to this war and didn't believe the US government claim that Saddam Hussein (the Iraqi leader) had weapons WMDs and terrorist ties to Al Qaeda, while the American mass media accepted those lies and became a de facto war propaganda machine for the US government- and spread the George W Bush's administration's claim that Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction. 

The film was released July 13, 2018. it is directed by Rob Reiner. I'm glad I saw this film- it reminded me of those dark years- when our government deceived the American public- to get what it wanted- an immoral/unnecessary war- and total lack of regard for people's wishes and lives.  Initial release: July 13, 2018 (Brazil). Director: Rob Reiner

..."the story that Reiner’s film has to tell is one of incredible importance. If the Iraq War was, in the words of one former general, “the greatest strategic blunder in American history,” it might also be characterized as the most disgraceful episode in the history of American journalism. Acting as if they learned not a single lesson from revealing the lies that led to America into the Vietnam War, or those that accompanied the Nixon administration’s attempts to subvert the Constitution during the Watergate scandal, the Times and the Post—and most similar news outlets—rolled over for malevolent fraudsters like Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and helped lead the U.S. into a devastating war based on patently specious evidence of Saddam Hussein’s non-existent weapons of the mass destruction." 

 ..."when it comes time for Congress to vote on approving Bush’s war plans, we’re given the sad roll call of the Democrats who voted in favor: Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Joe Lieberman, and so on."

 "From a historical perspective, this disgraceful tale climaxed with General Colin Powell testifying in support of the fake intelligence regarding Saddam’s WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), which echoed Condoleeza Rice’s warnings of mushroom clouds blossoming over America if Saddam wasn’t stopped. 

“Shock and Awe” reminds us all of this, and of the American media’s shameful complicity in fomenting an unjustified and vastly destructive war. But it also includes such moments as Sen. Robert Byrd’s moving speech drawing parallels between the lies that drew America into its Vietnam debacle and the falsehoods that would destroy many American and Iraqi lives in Iraq. At the current moment, when a president who lies constantly has his finger on the nuclear trigger, such warnings could not be timelier."

(Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shock-and-awe-2018

IRAQ WAR RESULTS according to Shock & Awe;

Duration of this war:17 years

Cost: $ 2 trillion 

Lives Lost: 1 million Iraqis dead

over 36,000 American Vets killed or injured 

WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) found: none, zero

The New York Times apologized to its readers for believing and publishing the George W. Bush's administration's lies.

The Iraq War was a protracted armed conflict that began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a United States-led coalition that overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the occupying forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government. Wikipedia

Dates: Mar 20, 2003 – Dec 18, 2011

Location: Iraq

Did you know: The Iraq War has the fifth-longest US combat force participation (8.8 years). wikipedia.org

Shock and Awe Official Trailer #1 (2018) Woody Harrelson, Jessica ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWlE-xX6fDM

▶ 2:36

May 18, 2018 - Uploaded by Zero Media

Shock and Awe Trailer 1 (2018) Woody Harrelson, Jessica Biel Iraq War Movie HD [Official Trailer]

You visited this page on 11/16/18.

  Knight Ridder /ˈrɪdər/ (from Dutch: ridder, knight) was an American media company, specializing in newspaper and Internet publishing. Until it was bought by The McClatchy Company on June 27, 2006, it was the second-largest newspaper publisher in the United States, with 32 daily newspapers sold. Its headquarters were located in San Jose, California.^[1] 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Ridder

PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD RESIGN- HE LACKS LEADERSHIP/MORAL SKILLS!
THIS WOULD MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! 
Letter to the Albany Times Union, by Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 11-15-18

 

I spent 4 years on active duty with the US Air Force, and 31 years as a part-time airman with the NY Air Guard. And these 4 ideals are some of the most important lessons I learned form the military; the Air Force's 3 core values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence, and the essential leadership value of Leading by Example. Unfortunately this president hasn't yet shown any of these values at all!

What do the other 3 values mean? INTEGRITY means to be always honest, even when no one is watching over us. SERVICE BEFORE SELF, is evident when we put duty before other things. EXCELLENCE in all we do, means to always strive for the best! And last, but not least: Leading by Example- this is  an essential value, a factor that is necessary in order to be a good leader.

As an American citizen, a husband, father of two,  but most importantly as a retired US veteran and I am very disappointed and appalled at the way this president is behaving. I've been in the USA since 1974, and I've never seen any president act as bad and as undignified as him. He is the lowest in my moral/leadership scale of 1-10- I give him a failing grade of 2!. Why? Because of his lack of respect, empathy, compassion, and dignity is unmatched! He hasn't yet shown to have any of those values that I mentioned above and he acts like an irrational person. So, I have three questions for him and his supporters/followers.
 
One, why isn't he talking about the migrant caravan any longer, and even sent the Army to the border?

Two, why didn't he go to the French cemetery to pay respects to the US WWI fallen Veterans?

Three, why did he blame the Californian Forest firefighters for the devastating forest fires raging in California? 

My answers.
Because he used those poor/desperate people for his political advantage! And he didn't visit the fallen US Vets in France because he is a COWARD! He blamed it on the rain and the Secret Service!
The Californian forest fires were attributed to the lack of water- not solely to forest management practices- as President Trump has said. In fact, scientists tell us that climate change is exacerbating (worsening) the frequency and severity of California’s wildfires. Thirteen of the 20 most destructive California wildfires have occurred since 2000. We must come together to transition our energy system away from fossil fuels toward sustainable energy like wind and solar.
We have got to stand up to President Trump and his friends in the fossil industry, and demand bold/effective/common-sense policies that will address the global crisis of climate change, so that we can have a healthy planet for us and for future generations.
 
Our thoughts/prayers must be with the families impacted by the California wildfires. We must contact our political representatives at the State level and in Congress and ask them to use every possible federal resource to help them.

We must also reprimand this President which is out of control; he blames everyone, but himself for his lack of ability, compassion and respect. He should resign- that would really make America great again.

LETTER TO THE SCHENECTADY GAZETTE, 10-30-18

The elections are getting close, and this Halloween is going to be a scarier one for our country. I and many other Americans feel scared/worried by the national political climate in our country.

I believe that President Trump's rhetoric, inflammatory, derogatory and offensive words- has made our country more divided and angry. This president inspires more violence and hatred with his words and actions. He is for more guns- he wants to arm everyone, including teachers. Does he realize that more guns aren't the solution, but will only bring more death? He wants to reinstate the death penalty as a deterrent, a defense,to gun violence. Does he look at statistics? Has the death penalty be en proven to work and deter violent crimes? I don't think so!  In fact, in a 2009 survey provided by Amnesty International USA; criminologists revealed that over 88% believe that the death penalty was NOT a deterrent to murder. The murder rate in non-Death Penalty states has remained consistently lower than the rates in States with the Death Penalty.
Trump is ruining the environment; he has pulled the US out of the Paris Accord, an international agreement with 194 countries, basically the whole world agreed to reduce global warming. He has overturned all of Pr. Obama's environmental protections, and opening up federal protected natural/pristine land for oil drilling.

But many people say, the economy has gotten better since President Trump took office this past January, and so has the stock market! But are those two factors the only things that count in America? I'd like to ask President Trump and his supporters these questions. Please hear me out.  

Is a country's greatness and success based only on economic prosperity? What about unity, tranquility and calm among its citizens? What about social and environmental justice? What about equal/fair pay? What about treating everyone with respect- especially your allies? What about condemning dictators for their crimes against humanity, instead of idolizing them? What about treating the media with respect, instead of calling it fake/evil? What about bridging economies/people, instead of building walls and spewing out insults and name calling? What about telling the truth? What about getting along with all nations of the world? What about following American ideals and values of honor, duty before self and dignity in all actions?

I am an immigrant who has been in the USA since 1974, for 44 years, and I've seen a lot of presidents; beginning with Gerald Ford, and now President Trump. I regret if some of Trump's supporters will be offended; I must say what I think, because the truth will set us free! However, I promise that I will be civil, respectful and considerate- something that has been missing in our country since this current president began to run for office.

After 44 years of living in the US, I say with certainty, that President Trump is by far the scariest/worst president I've ever seen in my life. Why? The answer is obvious. President Trump hasn't been able to address most of the questions I asked above; he hasn't fulfilled them, except for the economy one.  It is time that Americans chose politicians who are honest, don't lie, are mentally fit/competent, are skilled, charismatic, compassionate and of high moral character. I hope next Halloween won't be as scary as this one. 

WHITE HOUSE OR HUNTED HOUSE? PRESIDENT TRUMP'S AMERICA IS GETTING SCARIER BY THE DAY! More miserable, divided, hateful, unpredictable, unreliable and chaotic.

The economy has gotten better since President Trump took office this past January, and so has the stock market. But are those two factors the only things that counts in America? I'd like to ask President Trump and his supporters these questions. Please hear me out.  
Is a country's greatness and success based only on economic prosperity? What about unity, tranquillity and calm among its citizens? What about social and environmental justice? What about equal/fair pay? What about treating everyone with respect- especially your allies? What about condemning dictators for their crimes against humanity, instead of idolizing them? What about treating the media with respect, instead of calling it fake/evil?
What about bridging economies/people, instead of building walls and spewing out insults and name calling? What about telling the truth? What about being getting along with all nations of the world? What about following American ideals and values of honor, duty before self and dignity in all actions?

I am an immigrant who has been in the USA since 1974, for 44 years, and I've seen a lot of presidents; beginning with Gerald Ford, and now President Trump. I regret if I some of Trump's supporters will be offended; I must say what I think, because the truth will set us free! However, I promise that I will be civil, respectful and considerate- something that has been missing in our country since this current president began to run for office. 

After 44 years of living in the US, I say with certainty, that President Trump is by far the worst president I've ever seen in my life. Why? The answer is obvious. President Trump hasn't been able to address most of the questions I asked above; he hasn't fulfilled them, except for the economy one.  

Don't get me wrong, I've voted for the Republican Party before, but politically speaking I'm an independent- someone who votes for any candidate- of any party that I like. I do not base my vote on candidate's party, but rather on the political candidate's ability to lead; to accomplish things for our country and has charisma, intelligence and dignity/respect. In other words I chose candidates that have the ability to make others listen and look up to him/her. So, I have picked candidates based on and the candidate's life experiences and my values. 

For me a political candidate must be of sound physical, moral and mental character- a person who is honest, can think/act right, has the ability and willingness to do good for all; and not just the few at the top, the richest and/or the well connected (lobbyists and corporate CEOs/ leaders). Therefore, I always try to vote for someone who shares my values, the things I believe in; peace, prosperity, the protection of human/animal life and the environment, and social and environmental justice.


Since the day I saw him speak on TV, during the presidential campaign,- I never thought that President Trump met those standards- that is why I  didn't vote for him. And I'm happy I didn't pick him and I followed my values- because although today America is economically doing better- it is not doing well in all the other aspects- those that make a country truly great.

Let me tell you of the things that scare/worry me about our country. I believe that- because of President Trump's rhetoric, inflammatory, derogatory and offensive words- our country is more divided and angry. This president inspires more violence and hatred with his words and actions. He is for more guns- he wants to arm everyone, including teachers. Does he realize that more guns aren't the solution, but will only bring more death? He wants to reinstate the death penalty as a deterrent, defense, to gun violence. Does he look at statistics? Is the death penalty be proved to work and deter violent crimes? I don't think so!  In fact, in a 2009 survey provided by Amnesty International USA; criminologists revealed that over 88% believed the death penalty was NOT a deterrent to murder. The murder rate in non-Death Penalty states has remained consistently lower than the rate in States with the Death Penalty.
(Source: The Death Penalty and deterrence- Amnesty International USA

https://www.amnestyusa.org/.../death-penalty/death-penalty.../the-death-penalty-and-dete...

He is ruining the environment; he has pulled the US out of the Paris Accord, an international agreement with 194 country, basically the whole world agreed to reduce global warming. He has overturned all of Pr. Obama's environmental protections, and opening up federal protected natural/pristine land for oil drilling. 

President Trump has also broken many negative records. let me give you a few.  His administration has had the most convictions by any other US president, and he personally has said over 4000 lies. He has increased the military budget to astronomical levels 756 billion dollars- the biggest war budget in the world! Has given the biggest tax cut to the richest people and corporations, and wants to cut entitlements; Medicare and Social Security benefits. And this is a lie because social security benefits/funds do not belong to the government, but to the workers who contributed into it! The government's only role is to manage it, not take it away! How can the middle class and the poor have a decent retirement without it? Trump doesn't care! That's why! republicans say that they protect life, the unborn, but have they passed a pro-life legislation and reversed Roe vs-Wade? No. They do not care for human life, because if they did, they would have enacted sensible/effective gun control legislation to stop the mentally unstable and teens from owning  guns, automatic weapons and the like!

In the end, the economy has improved- we don't need anyone to tell us because it is evident- we can see it by looking around us; people are working, construction projects are booming everywhere, roads are being repaired, and employers cannot find enough help/workers to fill their demand. However, that's not enough to make America great again, as President Trump has said since he started running for president. America is more than just an economic power (and military power), but it should also be a great moral and compassionate leader- something it isn't right now with this president and the Republican Party in power. 

America must lead with good high moral/standards- it must take care of the well-being/interest of all its citizens and the world, not just the rich, the powerful and the connected, as this President and his cabinet and his party have done so far. 

So, I'm sorry to say, that this president hasn't yet fulfilled this great vision for our country. President Trump, is in fact ruining America because since he is been in office. He isn't morally and mentally fit to be President of the US. At the next elections we must be more careful and chose/elect people of sound mind and moral character. That's what a great country needs.

MISCONCEPTIONS & TRUTHS ABOUT US IMMIGRANTS 

"America is strengthened by the contributions made by immigrants. For the U.S. economy to flourish to its full potential, outdated immigration policy must be modernized. Immigrants played a leading role in building what has become the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. However, legal immigrants are many times misrepresented or their role in the U.S. economy is misunderstood. The U.S. has not passed major immigration reform legislation since the Reagan administration, and we still use standards developed in the 1960s to determine who we permit to enter the U.S. A system this outdated cannot meet the needs of our vibrant, growing 21st-century economy. Pro-growth immigration reform can raise the pace of economic growth, increase per capita GDP, and reduce the deficit."

Today we have a Republican President that is anti-immigration; Trump's solutions are walls and deportation. However, another Republican President had different ideas about immigration policy. Although President George W. Bush didn't materialize his dreams for immigrants -by enacting immigration reform- because he was unfortunately bugged down with the war on terror; 3 wars Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. But nevertheless his ideas, his dreams and appreciation for immigrants are listed in  "A Nation Built by Immigrants", an online site created by The George W. Bush Institute, which is dedicated to making Americans aware of the contributions that immigrants have made. The site has also a section titled: Debunking Immigration Myths (or misconceptions, wrong ideas) that people have about immigrants.  

 

The George W. Bush Institute recommends;

1

Keep Our Labor Force Vibrant Through Immigration

U.S. natives are not having enough children to replace our current population, and by extension, our labor force. A shrinking population and labor force will cause our economy to contract. More immigrants are needed to keep our population, labor force, and economy vibrant and growing.

2

Move to Skills-Based Immigration

Our current immigration system is overwhelmingly based on family reunification. Other developed economies, like Canada and Australia, admit immigrants primarily based on skills and education. Shifting the priority to a skills-based immigration system would allow us to get the workers we need to drive economic growth while maintaining the important family reunification component.

3

Overhaul the temporary work visa system

For many temporary worker visa categories, the current system is inadequate. The caps are too low to meet market demand. The process is too burdensome to make using the legal visa system worthwhile. And some categories, like seasonal agricultural worker visas, do not meet the needs of the employers seeking workers.

4

Find a reasonable solution for the undocumented

Nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants and their families live and work in the U.S., contributing significantly to our economy. Deporting all of them is impractical, expensive, and inhumane. A reasonable solution allowing law-abiding undocumented immigrants to live and work here legally is imperative in any serious immigration reform.

5

More legal opportunities create a more secure border

The U.S. has open jobs. Immigrants come here to fill those jobs. More legal opportunities to immigrate reduces the incentive to cross unlawfully or overstay a visa. With fewer unauthorized entries to pursue, our immigration enforcement resources can focus on the real criminals.

Here are Immigration Myths and Facts, from

The George W. Bush Institute;

1. MYTH: IMMIGRANTS ARE TAKING OVER
FACT: Immigrants actually only account for 13.5% of the total U.S. population, which is in line with historical norms

2.  MYTH: IMMIGRANTS ARE ALL MEXICAN
FACT: 30% of immigrants come from Asia, and currently more are coming from China than Mexico

 3. MYTH: IMMIGRANTS DON'T WORK
FACT: 72.5% of immigrants believe hard work is how you succeed in America and are responsible for half of the total U.S. labor force growth over the last decade.

 4. MYTH: IMMIGRANTS DON'T HELP THE ECONOMY
FACT: Immigrant-owned businesses with employees have an average of 11 employees

5.  MYTH: IMMIGRANTS TAKE AMERICAN JOBS
FACT: 7.6% of immigrants were self-employed compared to 5.6% of native-born Americans and they founded more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies.

 6. MYTH: IMMIGRANTS AREN'T EDUCATED
FACT: Recent immigrants are more likely to have college degrees than native-born Americans and are more likely to have advanced degrees.

SOURCE: The George W. Bush Institute:
: https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/resources-reports/reports/immigration.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwvNXeBRAjEiwAjqYhFrtYrsD5mH3U1FKsyOFpV5SvsaiicPTk-EwX9tGQzTM-RwMPUIL11BoCqmMQAvD_BwE

OUR FAMILIES CAN BE OUR TICKET TO PARADISE... in the meantime; 4 solutions to reach earthly tranquillity. 

I did not say it, but Jesus did- in one of his messages to Anne the lay apostle. I read it in one of the booklets (if I remember correctly it is the one with the title: Heaven Speaks to Families, or Jesus Speaks to Young Apostles, published by Direction For Our Times (www.directionforourtimes.org). 

1. We must treat our family well
I believe in this message from Jesus, and it also seems logical to me that if we are not able to love our families, then we do not deserve heaven. How can we, as Christians, believe that we deserve heaven when we treat our loved ones badly? What worth/value does it have to treat others (friends, strangers) well, just to make a good impression, and then treat our loved ones with contempt, or hate, or with indifference, hate, and perhaps with moral and physical violence? 

Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta once asked:  
"WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD?"
As usual, Mother Teresa gave a simple answer:
"GO HOME AND LOVE YOUR FAMILY."
 

2. Talk & Listen to each other

When loved ones OFFEND AND HUMILIATE us-  we have to explain to them-or to anyone, who offend/hurts us that they are wrong. This is important in order to make them stop and make changes- to build peace. But if our loved ones do not listen, then we should look for a THIRD person- a PEACEMAKER- someone who is objective and will help us resolve our family problems and HELP US MAKE peace. This is certainly another way/solution that may work; to reach civility and tranquillity in our families.

3. Pray for and trust in God
It is natural to think that what mother Teresa says is not easy. I agree it isn't, especially when our loved ones have treated us badly many times. I also think that when this happens, we also must remember Jesus promise that he made to Saint Faustian Kolwaska, also a catholic nun: say this prayer often: JESUS I TRUST IN YOU. So, it is clear to me that we must pray for both, us and our family members, and hope that they will change and become more compassionate. Although, often it will take sometime- and only God knows how long! So we act kindly and pray harder! 

4. Stay away from loved ones who want to abuse/hurt us
In the meantime- while we pray and wait for changes to happen and peace to return; we must protect ourselves, our families and our health, our mental and physical well-being, by STAYING AWAY/AVOIDING THOSE WHO want to HURT US. This is also a good solution for the offender too- so that by being away from each other- there are no further chances of escalations and/or more violence/abuse and/or making things worse. What is the sense of staying near those who want to humiliate, hurt and abuse us? It doesn't make any sense, and it doesn't help anyone. Separation is the best solution to avoid being hurt and sometimes even killed.

IMMIGRATION REFORM IDEAS FROM THE GEORGE W. BUSH INSTITUTE ARE GREAT. LETTER TO THE ALBANY TIMES UNION, 10-28-18.

This Republican President is anti-immigration, as a matter of fact, Trump's only solutions are walls and deportation. But it wasn't always like this for the Republican Party- another President had good ideas about immigration policy. That president was President George W. Bush, but unfortunately he didn't get a chance to realize his dreams for immigration reform- because he got  bugged down with three wars; in Afghanistan, in Pakistan and in Iraq.
We can read President George W. Bush ideas, thoughts and appreciation for immigrants are listed in "A Nation Built by Immigrants"- an online site created by the George W. Bush Institute, which is dedicated to making Americans aware of the contributions that immigrants have made. The site has also a section titled: Debunking Immigration Myths (or misconceptions, wrong ideas) that people have about immigrants.

I suggest that Trump's aficionados  read them because they are solutions based on good economic and moral sense. Here is five recommendations that the George W. Bush Institute makes.

1. Keep Our Labor Force Vibrant Through Immigration. U.S. natives are not having enough children to replace our current population, and by extension, our labor force. A shrinking population and labor force will cause our economy to contract. More immigrants are needed to keep our population, labor force, and economy vibrant and growing.

2. Move to Skills-Based Immigration. Our current immigration system is overwhelmingly based on family reunification. Other developed economies, like Canada and Australia, admit immigrants primarily based on skills and education. Shifting the priority to a skills-based immigration system would allow us to get the workers we need to drive economic growth while maintaining the important family reunification component.

3. Overhaul the temporary work visa system. For many temporary worker visa categories, the current system is inadequate. The caps are too low to meet market demand. The process is too burdensome to make using the legal visa system worthwhile. And some categories, like seasonal agricultural worker visas, do not meet the needs of the employers seeking workers.

4. Find a reasonable solution for the undocumented. Nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants and their families live and work in the U.S., contributing significantly to our economy. Deporting all of them is impractical, expensive, and inhumane. A reasonable solution allowing law-abiding undocumented immigrants to live and work here legally is imperative in any serious immigration reform.

5. More legal opportunities create a more secure border. The U.S. has open jobs. Immigrants come here to fill those jobs. More legal opportunities to immigrate reduces the incentive to cross unlawfully or overstay a visa. With fewer unauthorized entries to pursue, our immigration enforcement resources can focus on the real criminals.

Someone close to President Trump should show him these ideas because they're practical, humane and economically sound, and they could make our country truly great if they were applied.

Ottavio Lo Piccolo
Sch'dy NY

LETTER TO THE SCHENECTADY DAILY GAZETTE,     10-27-18 

Today we have a Republican President that is anti-immigration; Trump's solutions are walls and deportation. However, another Republican President had different ideas about immigration policy. Although President George W. Bush had a plan- it never materialized his dreams- he never enacted immigration reform because, my guess is that he was bugged down with three wars; in Afghanistan, in Pakistan and in Iraq.
We can read President George W. Bush ideas, thoughts and appreciation for immigrants are listed in "A Nation Built by Immigrants"- an online site created by the George W. Bush Institute, which is dedicated to making Americans aware of the contributions that immigrants have made. The site has also a section titled: Debunking Immigration Myths (or misconceptions, wrong ideas) that people have about immigrants.

The George W. Bush Institute makes the following 5 recommendations;

1. Keep Our Labor Force Vibrant Through Immigration
U.S. natives are not having enough children to replace our current population, and by extension, our labor force. A shrinking population and labor force will cause our economy to contract. More immigrants are needed to keep our population, labor force, and economy vibrant and growing.

2. Move to Skills-Based Immigration. Our current immigration system is overwhelmingly based on family reunification. Other developed economies, like Canada and Australia, admit immigrants primarily based on skills and education. Shifting the priority to a skills-based immigration system would allow us to get the workers we need to drive economic growth while maintaining the important family reunification component.

3. Overhaul the temporary work visa system. For many temporary worker visa categories, the current system is inadequate. The caps are too low to meet market demand. The process is too burdensome to make using the legal visa system worthwhile. And some categories, like seasonal agricultural worker visas, do not meet the needs of the employers seeking workers.

4. Find a reasonable solution for the undocumented. Nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants and their families live and work in the U.S., contributing significantly to our economy. Deporting all of them is impractical, expensive, and inhumane. A reasonable solution allowing law-abiding undocumented immigrants to live and work here legally is imperative in any serious immigration reform.

5. More legal opportunities create a more secure border. The U.S. has open jobs. Immigrants come here to fill those jobs. More legal opportunities to immigrate reduces the incentive to cross unlawfully or overstay a visa. With fewer unauthorized entries to pursue, our immigration enforcement resources can focus on the real criminals.

I wish someone would show these ideas to president Trump- it would make our country truly great if they were applied.

DEBUNKING 9/11 LIES & MYTHS.  
Italian:  
SMONTIAMO LE BUGIE E MITI DI 9/11
Was the terrorist attack of 9/11-01 a lie? A conspiracy perpetrated by the US government? As many groups claim? Not according to many exerts and groups and the book published by the US magazine Popular Mechanics: DEBUNKING 9/11 MYTHS. Why Conspiracy Theories Can't Stand up to the Facts. 


L'attacco terroristico dell'11 / 9-01 è stato una BUFALA? Una bugia? Una falsita'? Un'attacco premeditado e messo in atto  dal governo degli Stati Uniti? Come del resto sostengono molti gruppi? Non secondo molte persone, tanti gruppi, e dal libro pubblicato dalla rivista americana Popular Mechanics: DEBUNKING 9/11 MYTHS. Perché le teorie della cospirazione non possono resistere ai fatti.

The online site: DEBUNKING THE DEBUNKERS of the 9/11 Truth Movement, says: "The Phantom Planes Meme - The idea that the crashes of jetliners on 9/11 were faked has been the staple of disinformation and misinformation standing in the way of exposing the nature of the crimes of that day. We use the heading of phantom planes to describe this cluster of ideas, which are better known as "no-plane" or "no-jetliner" theories. More at: http://911review.com/errors/phantom/index.html
 Il sito online DEBUNKING I DEBUNKERS del Movimento per la verità sull'11 settembre dice: "Il meme dei fantasmi fantasma - L'idea che gli schianti dei jetliner dell'11 settembre siano stati falsificati è stata la base della disinformazione e della disinformazione che ostacolava il modo di esporre la natura dei crimini di quel giorno: usiamo il titolo di piani fantasma per descrivere questo gruppo di idee, che sono meglio conosciute come teorie "no-plane" o "no-jetliner". com / errori / fantasma / index.html

And at the bottom of they declare...

"Many people subconsciously make the mistake of only seeing the issues concerning 9/11 in black and white, as opposed to shades of gray. This is known as the black-or-white fallacy. In this case, the false dilemma is: 9/11 was either carried out by Al-Qaeda or it was "an inside job."

Just because the evidence suggests that rogue elements of US and other international intelligence agencies were involved doesn't mean bin Laden and Al-Qaeda hijackers weren't involved."


http://911debunkers.blogspot.com/2009/07/debunking-september-clues-and-no-plane.html 


E in fondo, al sito, dichiarano ...
 "Molte persone inconsciamente commettono l'errore di vedere solo i problemi riguardanti l'11/9 in bianco e nero, in contrasto con le sfumature di grigio: questo è noto come errore nero o bianco." In questo caso, il falso dilemma è: 9 / 11 è stato eseguito da Al-Qaeda o era "un lavoro interno"
Solo perché le prove suggeriscono che gli elementi disonesti degli Stati Uniti e di altre agenzie internazionali di intelligence sono stati coinvolti non significa che i dirottatori di Bin Laden e di Al-Qaeda non siano stati coinvolti ".

Debunked: The WTC 9/11 Angle Cut Column. [Not Thermite, Cut Later]

Il pilastro tagliato ad angolo- fu tagliato dopo l'attacco! Non e' stata la dinamite termite!

 https://www.metabunk.org/debunked-the-wtc-9-11-angle-cut-column-not-thermite-cut-later.t9469/

America loves conspiracy theories. I also fell into this trap. Was 9/11 an inside US government job? Or was it a real terrorist attack? Before I give a definite answer I should look at all the facts and the experts opinion- be better informed before I make a conclusion. I also have to say that it's hard for me to believe that the US government wouldn't kill over 3,000 of its citizens. to create this conspiracy. It will take a lot to convince me.

 L'America adora le teorie del complotto. Anch'io sono caduto in questa trappola. L'11 settembre è stato una missione organizzata internamente, del governo USA? O e' stato un vero attacco terroristico? Penso che prima di dare una risposta definitiva dobbiamo esaminare tutti i fatti e ascolatre l'opinione di tanti esperti - e quindi essere meglio informati prima di esprimere una conclusione. Devo aggiungere, che per me è difficile credere che il governo degli Stati Uniti abbia ordinato e organizzato l'eliminazione più di 3.000 dei suoi cittadini- per creare questa cospirazione. Ci vorra' molto per convincermi.

 

http://911debunkers.blogspot.com/2009/07/debunking-september-clues-and-no-plane.html