TheCharlie2323
  • Satirical Shorts
  • Other Tales
  • Banterer
  • Poems / Archives

The Outsiders

9/16/2015

0 Comments

 
Refugees displaced due to the Syrian War have flooded bordering nations while trying to make their way to the European Union.  Refugees are also fleeing Afghanistan due to war.  Countries who previously welcomed these people looking for a place to start over and call home, are now putting up fences.          

Hungary was once a destination for some.  They may reach it now and decide not to enter.  Some are worried that once they’re in they’ll be stuck.  They are not a refugee friendly country, but a poor nation that lacks opportunity.  Hungary doesn’t want refugees to just pass through their country on their way to another either.   The country completed a fence that runs along the Serbia border, to stop illegal entry.  Those who enter illegally now can look forward to deportation and imprisonment.    

Nations throughout the European Union are being forced to implement checkpoints, and require documentation to help control the migrant traffic they’ve been getting.  Refugees attempt to satisfy the nations that say “No” with proof they are fleeing imminent danger in their own country.  If they’re not granted asylum, they can appeal through the courts.

Earlier this week, Hungary began enforcing new laws regarding border crossing.  Refugees try to get through their fence, only to be attacked by armored vehicles with water cannons.  They’re spraying tear gas into crowds of refugees to discourage them from passing through country.  Tempers fly from crowds that have migrated a long distance this far.  They now need to reroute if they hope to get around Hungary; some are trying Croatia. 

For those nations who view Hungary’s border efforts as necessary and are considering doing the same, stand by for attack.  Germany invited refugees to come to them, but is becoming limited in resources.  Sweden and Austria are also taking in refugees, but without other nations increasing their intake, Europe will become inundated with displaced people. 

0 Comments

Prospecting

8/31/2015

0 Comments

 
Future complications arose due to limited communication options.  Those who discovered the leak had to notify a state regulator located in another area mine by two-way radio. From the time the toxic leak originated in the Silverton, CO mine, over 90 minutes passed before that regulator was able to alert outside authorities.  By then 3 million gallons of toxic water was flowing into the rivers and streams of not only Colorado, but also neighboring states.    

Can’t say it would matter if they left their fingerprints all over the mess.  No government agency will fine itself for wrongdoing.  They may have to answer to a committee in the House of Representatives, so they can be held responsible for clean up on the taxpayer’s dime.  In the midst of this, the EPA is pushing the WOTUS (Waters of the US) rule, which will allow them greater jurisdiction on US waters.     

Their wheels got turning to protect the streams and rivers from toxins, but the vehicle they drove went awry. When they were plugging off toxic minerals that had nowhere to go, it blew up in their faces.  Warnings aside, they never saw it coming.       

They began to drill, and the drilling went to far.  The waters and streams this government agency fights to keep free of toxins have since polluted the waters of bordering states.  They could’ve taken precautions, but that would have been too expensive.  A scary thought is imagining them with greater jurisdiction over keeping America’s waterways clean.

The EPA is a bit slow getting the necessary information submitted to the house committee as to what took place in Colorado. While they run away from one bad situation, WOTUS is on the table in other states. A preliminary injunction was issued on Aug. 27, 15, the eve of WOTUS taking effect. The horizon hasn’t faded away just yet.

0 Comments

The Bread of Life

8/16/2015

0 Comments

 
One would expect a former pastor to be familiar with John 6:35, as they know through believing they will never be hungry or thirsty.  Just like folks expect a former Patriot to be associated with a conspiracy.  Former five-time pro-bowler moved from the NFL to the church, and will learn of his next move on October 2, 15.  Both Irving Fryar and his mother, Allene McGhee were found guilty earlier this month of defrauding multiple financial institutions with a mortgage scheme.     

Fryar and McGhee declined a plea deal, as their lawyers argued they too were victims.  Fryar indicated he was coerced by con man, William Barksdale.  The former financial planner was allowed a plea deal in exchange for testimony against his co-conspirators.  In 2014, Barksdale received a lenient sentence of 20 months for his part in defrauding multiple financial institutions of more than $2 million dollars over a three-year period.  (Hefler, 2014)    

Believing Barksdale didn’t leave them wanting, as they’re said to have made 1.2 million from the scheme. The scheme involved applying for multiple loans in a short amount of time, and using the same property as collateral for each loan.  McGhee also exaggerated her earnings as a church event coordinator for Fryar’s Church.  After these victims were approved for multiple mortgages, they made a few payments on four of the loans.  In the end, the banks wrote off their mortgages as losses. (Nathan, 2015)

The victim card only takes you so far when you’re expected to practice what you preach. The claim would make sense if the two received one loan, and Barksdale obtained the funds from the multiple loans they applied for his benefit.  However, the prosecution argued that the financially strapped Fryar paid off tax liens and other debts after receiving the loans.  They indicated the funds obtained financially benefitted Fryar, making it difficult to see the victim side of the two being accused of deception and theft. 

While you can imagine how easy it would be to take advantage of free bread, they may want to stick to the Lord’s bread to avoid future trouble once their time has been served. 


Works Cited 
Hefler, J. (2014, 02 23). 20 months for planner in Burlco mortgage scheme. Retrieved 08 15, 2015, from Philly.com: http://articles.philly.com/2014-02-23/news/47584746_1_mortgage-scheme-loans-irving-fryar
Nathan, A. (2015, 08 07). Irving Fryar Convicted in Mortgage Scam: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction. Retrieved 08 15, 2015, from Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2542697-irving-fryar-convicted-in-mortgage-scam-latest-details-comments-reaction

0 Comments

Roots

7/30/2015

0 Comments

 
"I stand before you as a proud American.  I also stand before you as the son of an African.  Africa and its people have helped shape who I am and how I see the world." (CBS/AP, 2015)  President Obama concluded a historic trip to Africa on July 28, 15, addressing the African Union in Ethiopia.  In his address to Africa’s leaders, President Obama spoke about the economy, security, and human rights issues.  He also called for an end to corruption, suggesting African leaders’ should not stay in office past their constitutional allotted term. 

President Obama has been able to observe a number of African issues and events from a distance.  Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, may have been in existence before the turn of the century, but has become a prominent threat since 2009.  In February 2011, the revolution in Egypt brought the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, who was in office for thirty years.  In September 2012 came the attack on Benghazi.  In August 2014, the Ebola outbreak in western Africa became an international health concern.  President Obama didn’t let current terrorist or health concerns detour him, as he became the first sitting president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this last week. 

Egypt has remained in unrest since the 2011 revolution, with speculation still of an upcoming civil war.  After the fall of Mubarak followed President Mohamed Morsi.  He served just one year in office before his removal by Egypt’s armed forces.  Morsi was recently sentenced to death for conspiring with foreign militants to free jailed Islamists in 2011.  Another revolution in 2011 took place in Libya.  That revolt led to a civil war, in which ruler Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed after four decades of power.  On July 28, 15, Gaddafi’s son, Saif was sentenced to death for war crimes that took place during the 2011 uprising.  Libya still remains divided today between an elected eastern government and an Islamist western government. 

It seems the uprisings resulted in the removal of regime, without bringing a better alternative to power.  Currently only bloodshed flows freely within these nations. The war within these countries may cease if they able to establish a democracy.

President Obama spoke of Africa being the fastest growing continent, and made mention of necessary changes to ensure future progress.  Less corruption, and upholding human rights would be a positive step forward.  We’ll have to watch the next generation to see what becomes of their descendants. 

Works Cited 
CBS/AP. (2015, 07 28). Obama wraps historic trip with bid for Africa's future. Retrieved 07 29, 2015, from CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-africa-ethiopia-fight-against-hunger-african-union-security/

0 Comments

An Important Date in History

7/17/2015

0 Comments

 
An individual’s roots can influence not only their future, but also the future of countless others.  One small town boy had a rough beginning, yet spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.  He’s credited for co-founding the ANCYL (African National Congress Youth League), in April of 1944.  This group was trained to rise against the apartheid South Africa. 

While once a man of peaceful non-violent protests, that didn’t remain his position.  In the 1950’s the National Party enforced harsher laws against blacks, leading to greater segregation. When peaceful protests were responded to with violence by the South African government, it became clear that those fighting for freedom must answer with violence to gain peace.  

In the early 1950’s he was sentenced for nine-months due to the protests he led.  In the mid-fifties, he was arrested and charged with treason.  When the charges didn’t stand, he and others formed the antiapartheid movement Umkhonto weSizwe (the Spear of the Nation).  This armed unit of the ANC was put in play in December of 1961.  It was an option that veered away from the previously non-violent tactics that proved unsuccessful.       

In 1962, he was arrested once again and sentenced to five years for illegal travel.  Then in 1963, charged with high treason to which he received a life sentence.  While serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison, this political prisoner was a topic of discussion worldwide.  The United States was just one of the countries who called on the South African government to release him.  On February 11, 1990, he walked out of prison a free man.     

This man was known as a terrorist, and also a winner of the noble peace prize.  He was the first in many significant achievements and will be remembered throughout the world.  The former South African President is honored and celebrated July 18, with the Nelson Mandela International Day.  Many nations celebrated with weeklong events.

This week will be historic as well regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran.  The UN is expected to vote on the deal Monday, July 20.  We must remember that South Africa is the only nation to ever voluntarily relinquish their nuclear weapons.  Some suggest they did this to avoid Nelson Mandela and the ANC getting their hands on them.  The limit some people will go to, in order to achieve peace.              

0 Comments

Quick Change

6/30/2015

0 Comments

 
At the start, no one takes the clown serious, and now he’s mentioned as a front-runner behind Jeb Bush.  With all the talk of the 2016 presidential candidates, one man in particular may be making quick change from lawsuits before an opportunity ever arises for that change he promises in the white house.  Donald Trump has always been known as a well-to-do businessman, but how did he get there?

If Trump pulls off a win in his race to the white house, it would be with the help of his friends.  Fox and friends are a great option for him to have on his side, as they fall so far right you can never see what’s left.  Besides, his media options are dwindling due to some off-color remarks he made about Mexicans.  Univision, NBC, Ora TV, and Televisa have all cut ties.  The Donald is talking about making millions from the lawsuits he’s serving those who dumped the Trump.      

To trigger retaliation, then sue for that said retaliation, would that be equivalent to stealing?  Stealing money is the easy part for this self-made billionaire.  What appears to be difficult for the man is building anything that doesn’t carry his label.  This leaves us with the question of what will he name the border wall?  Will it be The Trump Wall or The Great Trump, better yet how about he label’s this one The Donald. 

He seems to get out of one situation, only to get into another.  Donald Trump co-owns Miss USA and Miss Universe organizations.  For that contestant with the classic “world peace” answer, it may not be televised this time through.  His “racist” comments led to Univision announcing they wouldn’t broadcast the Miss USA Pageant.  After being dropped by Univision, folks called for NBC to fire Trump, and there are now 709K signatures on a petition requesting that Macy’s discontinue sales of Trump merchandise.  Ah, the lawsuits that are being given to this man, or so that’s how he views it.         

Will the media catch on to his game?  He indicated that he would be building a wall, and Mexico would fund it.  It seems he will be running a race, and the media will fund it.  We’ll have to see what type of change comes from the lawsuits.  In the meantime we can enjoy the reality TV show that plays out on Fox news.   

0 Comments

Smoke and Mirrors

6/18/2015

0 Comments

 
One new CEO will take the place of the two co-CEO’s at one of the world’s largest banks.  Recent scandals are said to be coincidental but unrelated to both of the big bosses stepping down.  Anshu Jain will relinquish control on June 30, 15, and in what appears to be a very generous act, he will continue as an advisor to Deutsche Bank for an additional six months without any compensation.  Co-CEO Juergen Fitschen, will relinquish control in May 2016, as he’s remaining for an additional period to help ensure a smooth transition of the new chief executive, John Cryan. 

The scandals that have cost the bank in reputation and fines date back to 2011 or earlier, and include interest rate manipulation, tax evasion, and money laundering.  All cases are separate and damning. 

In fixing one, they created a whole other issue.  The scam of fixing currency rates ran from 2003 – 2010.  Deutsche Bank paid the largest fee of all banks in a rate rigging scandal that settled in April 2015, with 2.5 billion in fines.  Aside from the obvious issue of profit losses due to fines, there is a lawsuit against Duetsche Bank from former employees fired during the rate rigging review.  Turns out their bonus wasn’t as big as some of the senior colleagues.  According to one former employee involved in the lawsuit, they generated a lot of profit for the bank and his bonus was a measly 4.3 million euros, compared to those that scored more during the years of 2008 – 2009.  The 96 million dollar banker bonus based on profits was paid out in 2008 – 2009, and was discontinued thereafter. 

Deep discounts lead to trouble, especially when those deep discounts are a form of tax evasion.  Following both Co-CEO’s announcing their resignation came a police raid of the Deutsche Bank offices in Frankfurt.  Only a coincidence, the targets of the investigation was not the bank’s employees, but 9 of the bank’s clients.  Not to say the bank hasn’t also experienced issues over the years with tax evasion, but that’s another story.  Separate cases that developed from timing. 

Consequences don’t only fall on those who do the crime, as is the case when you’re used.  Another recent scandal involving Duetsche Bank is a current money laundering investigation that involves data from 2011 – 2015.  The investigation revolves around a few of the bank’s Russian clients.  They’re suspected of purchasing stock with the Ruble, while simultaneous trades were made through London for the same stocks using the dollar.   The suspected money laundering took place through the Moscow branch, and it’s still being investigated whether any staff was involved.

The act of putting the needs of a large Investment Bank before one’s self appears quite honorable.  The division most under fire is the investment side of the institution, an area Jain led prior to accepting the position of Co-CEO.  Jain isn’t being blamed for the illegal activity that took place during that span.  Instead, he was given even more authority recently, which made his resignation a surprise.  He held the role of restructuring.  More than a few bankers were given the shaft before Jain resigned from his post.  

0 Comments

Cable Wars

5/28/2015

0 Comments

 
Charter strikes a deal to purchase Time Warner Cable for $55.3 billion.  Including TWC’s debt that will be consumed by Charter, the over-all deal is valued at an approximate $79 billion.  The last time Charter bid on TWC, Comcast outbid them.  Federal regulators prohibited that acquisition, as it would’ve created one giant.  Comcast is still larger than a merged Charter-TWC, allowing the deal a greater chance of finalizing.    

While Time Warner Cable is the larger company that Charter’s interested in acquiring, there’s another company they’re working on as well.  It will be more of a trilateral cooperation, as they proceed with their offer of $10.4 billion for Bright House Networks.  The Bright House acquisition depends on a successful merger between Charter and TWC.  Charter expects to close deals with both companies before the end of 2015. 

The battle for broadband is one reason the Comcast-TWC deal was declined by regulators.  Concerns arose that as a monopoly, they would harm competitors and have the control to prioritize Internet traffic.  Even as a trilateral cooperation, Charter-Time Warner-Bright House, will only have about 30% of the broadband market.  This “New Charter” is already thinking ahead to the opportunities they can realize in this market. (Steel, 2015)

Dodgers will be televised.  The Dodgers LA games have been exclusive to Time Warner Cable since 2014.  Part of recent deal benefits baseball fans, as Charter plans to start offering the Dodger’s owned channel.  Charter expects to have the channel available within the next couple weeks. 

Mergers play out like war in the sense that alliances grow, banding together against their rivals and over-stepping the borders.  Russian politician, Dmitry Rogozin joked about Russia's assertiveness, “tanks don't need visas.” (BBC News, 2015)  Once Charter has established their tank, we’ll have to see if they’re able to deploy faster and better quality service.

Works Cited 
BBC News. (2015, 05 26). Russia begins massive air force exercise. Retrieved 05 26, 2015, from BBC : http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32877936
Steel, E. (2015, 05 26). Broadband at the Center of Charter-Time Warner Cable Deal. Retrieved 05 28, 2015, from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/business/dealbook/charter-communications-agrees-to-acquire-time-warner-cable.html?_r=0

0 Comments

Polarized

5/17/2015

0 Comments

 
For a nation who keeps much of their goings on behind closed doors, our view becomes skewed of their news that becomes public.  North Korea has been the focus of the media a few times this month with news of subs, missiles, invitations, and executions.  For those of us who enjoy such news, we can count on the Internet to provide us articles that most closely match those we’ve viewed in the past.  Some experts would argue this stops us from seeing the whole picture. 

Russia’s Vladimir Putin had plans in place to host North Korea’s leader Kim Jong un earlier this month, along with more than twenty other nations for their WWII Victory Days celebration.  Those plans fell through when North Korea’s leader sent his foreign minister in his place.  Someone needed to be present to celebrate the 2015 “year of friendship” that’s been declared between the two nations.   

Kim Jong un must not be counting on Putin to increase his international popularity.  His focus remains on that which he can control, the society of North Korea.  The ruler executes those within North Korea that hold an opposing view to his own, including members of his own family.  Most recently executed was his defense minister, Hyon Yong-Choi, for reportedly falling asleep on the job.  The method, in which his opposition met their demise, depends on the news source.       

The North Korean leader strives to hold his society unexposed to conflicting views.  However, the view of the outside world regarding this reclusive society is often paradoxical.  The submarine launched missile was big news for a short time, until those stories turned to “so what, it only shot a few hundred feet.” Other reports state that it’s just an ejection test from an underwater barrage, and not the embellished report of a submarine launched missile.  It’s hard to change your view when it all reads like past news.

0 Comments

War on Golf

4/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Argentina recently initiated legal proceedings against three companies from Britain and two from the United States.  These corporations are accused of “performing illegal acts by entering Argentine territory.” (Argentina launches lawsuit against Falkland oil drillers, 2015)  Much like other island disputes between various nations, Argentina has given the islands a name of their own “Malvinas”, therefore claiming the territory.  The dispute over the British territory, Falkland Islands, heightened when an announcement was made of new gas and oil found north of the islands.  In 2013, British oil firms were banned by Argentina for drilling in this area.    

Officials must be punished for transgressions, or in this case oil exploitation on an island that Argentina would like to control.  In 1982, an Argentine invasion of the British controlled islands led to the Falklands War.  With a greater loss of life to Argentina, the islands have remained in British sovereignty since.  Argentina is as adamant about their claim to the islands as Russia was to the Ukraine, and President Putin supports similar action from their ally in regards to the “Malvinas.”

With concerns of dry wells, and estimated billions to be made on oil in the Falklands, there’s no denying tempers will flare over who owns the rights.  The British have increased their military presence in the Falklands with concerns of another Argentine invasion.  Argentina criticized Britain for their increased military presence, while claiming in March that Argentina had no plans to lease long-range military aircraft from Russia.  (Byrne, 2015)  The deals signed between Russia and Argentina last week revolves mostly around energy at this time.   

Argentina and the United Kingdom have been at odds for decades over the Falklands.  In order to avoid future rounds escalating to war there are some acts of common courtesy the players may observe.  Be sure all players involved in the match understand the stakes.  Know the local rules, or decide which sovereign nation is considered the local and follow their rules.  Avoid stepping on other player’s imaginary lines.  When the situation escalates, Argentina also has China’s support, a nation who has a different “war on golf” at home.  Will have to see how that one plays out before China joins this course.  


Works Cited 
Argentina launches lawsuit against Falkland oil drillers. (2015, 04 17). Retrieved 04 29, 2015, from BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32354222
Byrne, P. P. (2015, 03 25). Argentina criticizes Britain for military boost in Falklands. Retrieved 04 30, 2015, from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/argentina-criticizes-britain-for-military-boost-in-falklands/2015/03/25/df690988-d334-11e4-8b1e-274d670aa9c9_story.html

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Author

    My banter was on current affairs and ran from 2011 - 2016. I currently enjoy writing satire and horror shorts.

    I chose themes to run against each current event to bring some entertainment to my Banters. I began writing the banter in February 2011, and wrote my last in February 2016.

    Archives

    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011

    Categories

    All
    2011
    4th Amendment
    5-4
    Aaa
    Administration
    Aer Lingus
    Aol
    Arizona
    Bailouts
    Barclays
    Bassar Al-Assad
    Benghazi
    Berlusconi
    Bin Laden
    Boehner
    Bryson
    Buffett Rule
    Caucuses
    Cheif Of Staff
    China
    Chris Christie
    Citibank
    Citigroup
    Commerce
    Daley
    Deutsche
    Dez Bryant
    Draft
    Economy
    Engagement
    Euro
    Facebook Ipo
    Fannie Mae
    Fed
    Federal Reserve
    Freddie Mac
    Ftc
    "Game Change"
    Geithner
    Gingrich
    Goldman Sachs
    Gop
    Governor Walker
    Henry Paulson
    Huffington Post
    Hugh Culverhouse
    Immigration
    Iran-Contra
    Ireland
    Italy
    John Paulson
    Jon Corzine
    Lew
    Lockout
    Madoff
    Mets
    Michael Grimes
    Michael Hayden
    Millionaire Tax
    Mitt Romney
    Monti
    Muddy Waters
    News Of The World
    Nfl
    Nothaus
    Obama
    Ochocinco
    Pay For Performance
    Pelosi
    Picard
    Presidential Race
    Rakoff
    Referee Lockout
    Richard Grenell
    Romney
    Romneycare
    Russia
    Sarah Palin
    Sec
    S&P
    Technocracy
    Trust In God
    Union
    Veto
    Vikram Pandit
    Wisconsin

     Subscribe in a reader

    Thecharlie2323.com Pagerank