Aria Lightfoot

Daily Dingleberry 03-18-12 Two Wrongs Nuh Mek a Right

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I want to shine the light on some allegations surrounding the elections. Some accuse PUP of getting last minute financial backing from a prominent person based on the results of bogus polls which determined a win. Some accuse UDP standard bearers paying varying amounts from $400 to as little as $12.50 a vote. Some accuse BOTH of soliciting potential supporters by aiding in procuring  residency/citizenship papers for non-citizens from Guatemala, San Salvador, Honduras etc. The only people crying foul however, has been the PUP proponents. While I champion any attempt to ensure the sanctity of our democracy, it irks the crap out of me that that same ardor isn’t demonstrated among the Opposition. If you want to demand justice for wrong doing, you have to be above reproach.

Aye! So, who is telling the truth? Was Mr. Ashcroft‘s yacht really moored somewhere along our coast during the elections? Did Belize City contenders really buy their way into government? And where is the proof in this digital age? You mean, not one cell phone captured an offensive, “hand caught in the cookie jar” moment?????

I am begging the leaders of both parties to do internal investigations so as to address corruption within their ranks. It does not do for either of you to engage in such worthless behaviour. If you know of such wrong doing, it is your duty to us, as the people you serve to correct it. We don’t need bloody revolution. We have laws. Follow them and restore some dignity to our government because frankly, neither party is a model of what one could consider ethical and upstanding.

GET TO WORK BITCHES! Kick those weak links out, put them in jail and protect our interests. Without us, you are nothing and don’t you EVER forget that.

Daily Dingleberry 03-17-12 Methinks the Jealous do Protest too Much

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We will stand alone.

LMAO! So, wild accusations are flying about causing much consternation for my co-blogger Aria. Her every ethical and honest bone is being rattled by all these blatant attempts to discredit her and my intentions. BUT I frankly don’t give a damn. As the saying goes, “Any press is good press”. I welcome the spin doctors and the naysayers because you are doing exactly  what I want you to do. You are bringing attention to my efforts to provide honest critiques of the goings on in Belize. Every time you say my name, you give me legitimacy.

Let’s practice: twocanview, twocanview, twocanview. OOOOPS! You done sed it 3 times!!!!! You in trouble now!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!

The only reason nasty people get nasty is because they feel their own power being usurped. What’s the best thing to do to someone who is gaining ground? You try to remove the ground- in this case, accuse us of bribery and calling us unethical and biased. But that will prove to be  a misguided move because I’m standing on diamonds, my convictions are that strong and pure. You will only reinforce my stance and expose for the world to see that I really am who and what I say I am.

I could get caught up in being disappointed in people and their attempts to destroy a good thing that really could have a positive impact on politics in Belize but I’m  not gonna belabour it. To be honest, things like this are to be expected and it’s sort of anti-climatic for me, because I thought it would  have come a lot sooner.

So keep spinning and repeat 3X: twocanview, twocanview, twocanview!!!!!!!!!

Listen To This Shit

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Anthony “Boots” Martinez – Minister Human Development
“No man, come down – various equipment – my main focus was people. I was in charge of an amount of people of which, literally under the Ministry of Works, we were acting as a great degree, as the Ministry of Social Services and Human Development. The amount of single mothers we had employed, the amount of at-risk people we had employed, I was of the thinking that the name of the ministry is not important. The function of the ministry is what is important. I see that as a huge upgrade.”

Jules Vasquez
“So you actually – wait, because most people say it’s a downgrade, you actually see it as an upgrade?”

Anthony “Boots” Martinez
“Yes, that’s a huge upgrade. You have the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation.”

 

I can’t believe that the perception of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is “a step down”. WOW and we wonder why our people are disillusioned and feeling hopeless? Do you understand what that means? We couldn’t be bothered to invest in our greatest asset? US????? Thank you Mr. Boots for putting Jules Vasquez in his place…Maybe Jules thinks that this ministry is too lame and is more like “woman’s work” huh? What the hell prompted his dumbassedness? If this wasn’t a seriously disturbing reflection on our society, it would be funny. But sadly, I can’t laugh. It’s more like I want to scream and rant and rail.

 

We need to take the weakest in our society seriously because a society which doesn’t is destined to fail miserably.

 

Very upset with Belizean mentality in this moment. Reminds me of when a certain dean of a certain school told me that they wouldn’t be giving out scholarships for psychology because it is not important. Shortsighted muthafuckahs.

To All The Whiny Bastards Out There: Get Off Your Ass

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This is how you get shit done people….stop waiting for “someone else” to do it…there is NO ONE but YOU. No one can care as much as YOU about what YOU care about so that leaves YOU to do what YOU need to do…Is that clear?????????? LET ME YELL THEN: DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR YOURSELF AND STOP BLAMING THE GOVERNMENT, YOUR PARENTS, POVERTY AND CORRUPTION. THOSE WHO REMAIN SILENT ARE JUST AS GUILTY.

 

 

Daily Dingleberry 03-15-12

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Lots of criticism flying around about the new cabinet and CEO’s…what’s this rumour about Cordel and Espat??? Anybody got the details? After today, I’m not gonna pay any attention to vague allusions and innuendo. It’s like little imps and evil fairies flitting and floating about causing mischief…if you have serious concerns about people say it please…out loud in intelligible sentences and with some spec of evidence! I would genuinely love to hear it but these cackling inferences serve no purpose but to temporarily distract and stir unnecessary controversy…put your money where your mouth is instead of shoving your foot in there!

Daily Dingleberry 03-14-12 #quiturbitchin’

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Happy Pi Day!!!!! I am kinda getting sick of the crap rhetoric out there. No one, I don’t think, is prepared to say that UDP was given a mandate by the people of Belize. Obviously, our people made their voices heard. They wanted Dean Barrow back as Prime Minister but they were pissed off with some of their area reps and voted them out. Why is the PUP belabouring the results then???? Sounds like sour grapes to me.

Listen. We all know that every election is riddled with anomalies and irregularities. I have personally witnessed, as I reconciled voters lists in 1993, many dead people voting or people voting more than once, even twice.  Instead of trying to pin it ALL on the UDP, be fair man. It was both. Now, this can not be tolerated in any way shape or form. But instead of spitting out vitriol and threats, work with local and international organizations to demand better democratic practices. Sitting on your asses complaining and bitching will get us exactly in the same place five years from now. I applaud every effort made to ensure accountability and legitimacy in our elections. Criticism without action is just noise!!!! BAWK!!!!!!

Sore Losers by: Aria Lightfoot

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Look, I don’t mean to be a sore loser, but when it’s done … if I’m dead … kill him!

— Butch Cassidy

The elections are over and it played out like the final seconds of a heated game. Supporters from both sides held a collective breath as the magic 16 was reached.    UDP emerged the winner.  It was a well fought race on both sides.  Neither side seemed to have the advantage, and the final results indicated same.  The questionable tactics used by both parties did highlight some failings in our system. Corruption has spilled out and is now so open that it no longer offends the conscience of the reasonable man.  The standard has been lowered in our society. With that said, there seem to be a new disturbing cultural trend emerging- little or no respect for the highest office of the land; the Prime Minister of Belize.

Obviously the propaganda machine did not stop when elections’ season ended.  In fact, Belizeans are being told there was voter fraud, election cheating and just about every allegations and enough misinformation to convince people that their vote did not count.   I am seeing unfounded allegations being dangerously spread via the internet trying to convince people that PUP was cheated and they should be the rightful government; that Belize is headed for a dictatorship (for the past 5 years);  that our PM resembles a monster who murdered 6 million people, namely Hitler.

During the elections, Belizeans passively accepted the entire deterioration of our electoral process; however, the election is over and so should the silly season.  Belizeans tolerated the most distasteful, disrespectful and personal commercials ever seen in the history of our elections and it seems the deterioration continues, except with a dangerous undertone now. It stinks of poor sportsmanship and PUP is emerging as a sore mean loser with the rhetoric and lies to instigate mischief.  All these  allegations by the way,  attack the credibility of our public officers who conducted the counting in front of both parties and observers; it shows a lack of integrity of the people spreading rumors and it ultimately teaches our people and children to be disrespectful and distrustful of our leaders.

One more thing, anyone ever wonder what is PUP’s unhealthy obsession with Dean Barrow? Methinks racism albeit subtle! How dare this black man talk to ‘us’ this way?  Doesn’t he know his place?   We are so colonial in our thinking that even some black people are taught to believe a black man should not be as powerful and as successful as Dean Barrow.  Dean Barrow is no more or less arrogant than Said Musa was.  Dean Barrow is as successful as any intelligent attorney in his field and there is no doubting his personal success.     In fact, PUP rhetoric is a script from the Tea party rhetoric against President Obama.  The same Hitler accusations; the same rumors about “taking away the country”; the same talk about Obama’s arrogance. I find the recent posting and allegations to be salacious, tasteless, divisive, racist and inflammatory.  The election is over. PUP has lost! Accept defeat gracefully and move on.  I am turned off with the divisive and disrespectful rhetoric.  Please let us move Belize forward for all Belizeans.   Not a good look PUP…Not a good look!

My Vision for the Nation as Prime Minister of Belize by: Andre k. Alamina

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Our country is polarized by politics so much so that in the past 30 years of our short independent history, representatives from both political parties have rarely, if ever, united amenably for the betterment of our country as a whole. Instead, they eradicate or undermine policies set in place by the previous administration, essentially starting policy making from scratch. This, I believe, is one of the major reasons why our country has found such difficulty in making large economic, social and cultural strides towards a better Belize. If I were given the opportunity to lead this nation as its prime minister, my first order of business would be to create a master plan for the next 10 years in Belize. It will be a realistic, but challenging and robust blueprint that includes the prospective future for healthcare, industry, immigration, housing, education and other factors.

Among the many things I will need to accomplish with the initial establishment of my administration, one of the first things I will need to do is to seek and surround myself with people who are of high integrity, competency and committed to the development and betterment of our country. As the Prime Minister, I will never have all the answers, and I will need to be advised by talented and knowledgeable Belizeans living within the country, and those who are members of the Belizean diaspora overseas (who constitute for a large percentage of our educated population). These individuals will be chosen based solely upon knowledge of their proven efficiency, not based upon whether they hold a seat in the House or simply because they are members of my political party.

One of the greatest predicaments our country has seen is the vast marginalization of thousands of our country’s people, particularly our creole populace, due to the effects of poverty. For decades, these communities of poor people have been unable to break away from the suppressions of poverty, mainly due to the unconvincing efforts being made to assist them. The extent of government aid has been limited to issuing steady streams of cash handouts directly into the hands of these young, strong but often uneducated persons. Creating jobs for these people is the only real practical solution. How do I plan to do so?

In order to provide more jobs, I need to ensure there is more work created. Because of this, I will place greater emphasis on infrastructural improvement and waste management efforts that both require a large labor force the impecunious population of our country can supply. This will not only act to improve infrastructure and keep our nation clean, but it will provide these impoverished persons with a source of income.

I will also need to engender a climate that is attractive to foreign investors. However, I do hope to attract investors that will invest in fresh industries and develop them for the greater benefit of the people. Not those that will come in with rapacious intentions and exploit already profitable operations as has been the case with some existing “investors”.

Careful planning and strategy will be implemented to create the enabling environment that will attract, at the outset, foreign manufacturing enterprises such as, for example, garment factories and call centers. These will serve the purpose of employing our less educated populace as my policies in education bear fruit and produce a more educated, skilled and indeed robust and resourceful workforce. This initiative coupled with the sound management and investment of our existing and potential oil revenues will allow for increased and better quality job opportunities for our small population. The quick wins will portray themselves in lower crime and improved social harmony as undoubtedly this will strike at the heart of our increasing unemployment phenomena and chaotic way of life that currently prevails as a result. A nation that can achieve as near as full employment as possible, in my mind, is one that has the capacity to transform itself in the right direction.

These are just some of the areas that will engage my full attention as I lead my team, with a sense of purpose, to bring about tangible and sustainable economic and social transformation to this beautiful jewel of ours. Although I am just a boy, I am confident that given the opportunity to lead this country and manage the rich resources we possess here in Belize, I can make a tangible difference.

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Allegedly unconfirmed by: Aria Lightfoot

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I can’t stomach anymore hypocrisy this election season!  Thank God there is less than a week left!     This morning a lady did her Facebook thing and went on a verbal rampage against one of the electoral candidates.  Unfortunately she was not legally sophisticated to understand that personal knowledge is not enough to type or say things about people. If there is no proof in hand,  one may be held liable for libel and slander.  No sooner had she said it, out pops party counsel to advise her that she can be sued for her statement and should remove it forthwith, which she did.  I know you are sitting there thinking…”Whatever!  I see political proponents mudslinging all day. If that was true, they would be sued too”…Beware!  For every lie or misinformation shared with you, it is normally preceded with “unconfirmed” or “allegedly”.  Be careful how you follow these politicians and attorneys my Belizeans.  Don’t be an information mule, because they are exhibiting bad examples of leadership and will set you up to make crazy allegations which you may be potentially liable for.  They also have the legal body of their party backing them up…So unu stop di repeat and re-post things whe unu can’t prove!   The trolls are on Facebook!  I found the entire incident quite hypocritical as another prominent attorney from the same party is all over Facebook tagging people into some salacious gossip preceded by the words “unconfirmed”.   Hold it together my Belizeans…don’t be pawns to this game cause as I have said before, this game bigga than you or me!

Daily Dingleberry 2/28/12 by: Aria Lightfoot (until Faye is back)

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Reading through the news tonight, I am concerned that people are facing the courts for serious offences without legal counsel.  I know our society is sick and tired of hearing about child rape or murder or attempted murder but our system ought to stand on principles of justice.  It may feel satisfying to send an unrepresented man to jail for the maximum sentence, but have the thought occurred… what if that man is innocent?  Are we trampling on the principle of justice that says “a hundred men may walk free as long as one innocent man never goes to jail’?  Who is there to guide that defendant (still innocent until proven otherwise) through the legal system and advise him properly of his rights?  What if one day I must stand without counsel; or my sibling; or a significant other? I imagine standing alone in front of a judge and jury (maybe no jury) and no knowledge of the system and no help to guide me through or help me fight and prove my innocence.  Are we serving justice to the nation of Belize or are we once again preying on the vulnerable and weak?  Eleanor Roosevelt once said that justice cannot be for one side alone, but for both, and Martin Luther King believed that a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. I will never feel safe knowing the right person went to jail if that person was never given a proper defense.    I want the real criminals to go to jail and spend the maximum sentence, not just the ones we can bully through our system.  We need to stop cheating the justice system to win fights because as we railroad the poor through our justice system, we prove that we are a system failing horrendously. On the flip side, when the rich are suspected of egregious behavior, the system shows it failings by administering preferential justice. in matters of money, bar members step up to provide him/her with the best defense money can buy. It is a travesty of justice for any attorney to watch this unbalanced legal system continue unabated. Where are the attorneys to provide pro bono work? Do attorneys believe in a fair system?  Is the bar association just apathetic? Or is justice only for those who can pay?   I call on the bar association (especially the ones who hold degrees due to the generosity of the tax payer) to address the issue of poor citizens facing these serious offences undefended!  Shame on the legal system! Shame on all those who only fight for causes when money and status are factored in! Where are the human rights people to cry bloody shame on our legal system? Where are the Christian defenders of the poor as Jesus commanded?  Am I the only person who sees that each instance of imbalance in the legal system is a further tear on our already raveling fabric of justice?