Saturday, May 29, 2010

GRADUATION 2010: Congrats to my nephew Aaron on his accomplishment from Los Osos High School! W2G!


I wanted to give a shout out to my fantastic nephew Aaron Economy today for his graduation this week from Los Osos High School over in Rancho Cucamounga. 

Aaron is the best young man, and his future is bright and full of potential.  I am so so proud Aaron.  This summer belongs to him and the world around us is looking amazing! Today our family celebrated his graduation with a great party.

 Top pic: My sister in law Cindy, neice Allison, Aaron, and my brother Rick Economy.  Side: My neice Allison, and Aaron at the graduation party.

OMG. Aaron is now 3 inches taller than me.  Holy crap. 

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Symmon for California Governor. He is not your "average Joe politician." Today I have a new friend and California has a new rising star on the scene!

California Governor Candidate Joe Symmon, Randy Economy and AlyceJo Symmon.
Photo by Ro
By Randy Economy
http://www.economy4abc.blogspot.com/
May 29, 2010
Cerritos, CA

Today I made two new friends. 

http://www.symmonsays.com/

Joe and AlyceJo Symmon. A couple of "first" class people who would make a great new "First Couple" for the People of California.

Joe Symmon wants to be Governor of California, and after I got to know this amazing man, I say...thank goodness!

He is smart, talented, compassionate, has a strong leadership capacity, and has a unique vision on how to rescue California from total collapse.

Joe and AlyceJo stopped by my house here in Cerritos, Friday morning during a campaign swing through our neck of the woods.

We had brunch over at the Cerritos Towne Center.  This was the first time that I have met Joe.  He is a Democrat.  I am a registered "Non Partisian Voter."   If I want to vote for him, I need to request a Democratic Ballot on election day in order to do so.

Oh, sure Jerry Brown is going to be the Democratic nominee for Governor, that's a given.

But, every voter should "think" about casting your ballot for Joe Symmon instead. 

AlyceJo Symmon shows Rosemary Economy a book about the Symmon's charity works in Kenya.
Joe Symmon, Democrat for Governor was campaigning in Cerritos on Friday.
Randy Economy Photo
Why?  Because California is a total train wreck, and we need real change in Sacramento in each and every office. Period. Why do Democrats want to nominate another lifetime politician like Jerry Brown as Governor?

Joe Symmon is smart.  He IS  living the California Dream.  He was orphaned as a baby in his native Kenya, and was raised in one of the poorest slums in Africa.  He made it out of Africa what is a miracle in itself.

He came to the United States to make a better life and his journey took him to Connecticut, Iowa and Tennessee and ended up in California in 1983 in pursuit of an education.

He majored in Intercultural Studies and Theology at Life Pacific College. He performed his graduate work in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and was elected President of the Student Body. His leadership skills and ability to organize made him a successful president and inspired him to take further steps towards making a difference in people’s lives.

Joe is now a real  "Californian" and his charitable work has an International impact back in his native Kenya.

In 2003, Joe and AlyceJo founded the Child of Destiny Organization, a non-profit group that is  making a real difference in the lives of children.  He built an orphanage, an elementary and high school that can house approximately 1000 kids on a 25 acre lot in Kenya.

Joe is providing safe housing, sanitation, clean water resources, and has brought love, life and stability to hundreds of orphans.

Joe has also assisted men and women in Kenya by initiating the construction of a clinic for HIV/AIDS testing, mammogram check-ups, and a maternity ward for expecting mothers.

So, I am not saying that Joe Symmom has the "perfect" resume to be the Chief Executive Officer of California.  But, I do know one thing for sure, California would be proud to have this man serving them as Governor.

Look at the Democrats running for Governor in a week. Look at EVERY DEMOCRAT running on the June 8th ballot.

Then, DON'T VOTE for the STATUS QUO.  Throw the BUMS OUT of SACRAMENTO, and DON'T VOTE for the GUYS WITH THE SLICK MAIL. Enough is enough!

So, before you pull that lever for Jerry Brown, do yourself a favor, and get to know who Joe Symmon is and what he represents. 

Visit him on-line at http://www.symmonsays.com/

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JUSTICE FOR LILY BURK! Charlie Samual given "life" in prision. Why do we have to pay to keep this killer alive for the next 30 to 40 years?

By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 29, 2010
12:20 a.m.

LOS ANGELES – Tonight, there is justice in the murder case of beautiful Lily Burk, the vibrant 17 year who was tragically murdered one year ago.

Charlie Samual, a 50-year-old parolee pleaded guilty on Friday to  first-degree murder Burk.

He will spend the remainder of his life in prison.  How much will us taxpayers have to spend to keep this man in prison for the next 30 to 40 years?  How many millions of tax dollars will be spend to feed this killer, and protect him from others while he is in prison?


Samuel, flanked by his two lawyers and wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, answered variously, “Yeah,” “Correct,” and “Uh-huh,” when Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson took the plea that was accepted by Superior Court Judge David S. Wesley.

We need prison reform.  This case has made many of us stop and think about our "plea" agreements here in California's "justice" system.

Samual is a cold blooded killed.  He admitted murdering poor Lily, who was abducted from the Wilshire Area on July 24, 2009.

He also admitted the "special circumstances for the murder"  – carjacking, kidnapping and robbery, and he pleaded guilty to one count each of kidnapping to commit robbery, second-degree robbery, attempted first-degree ATM robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for the purpose of carjacking. In addition, he admitted prior convictions including robbery and burglary in San Bernardino County and petty theft with a prior conviction, a felony, in Los Angeles County.

So, how come he isn't facing the Death Chambers?

Wesley, who had presided over Samuel’s preliminary hearing earlier this year, said he found a factual basis for the plea. He sentenced Samuel to life without the possibility of parole, plus 100 years to life, plus another 30 years for the prior felony convictions.

Burk’s parents – Greg Burk and Deborah Drooz – were in court along with friends. They chose not to make a statement to the court prior to sentencing. Instead, they released a written statement that noted their daughter would have celebrated her 18th birthday this coming June 12.

“She was the best daughter in the world,” the parents said, adding, “We’re grateful that the criminal-justice phase is at an end and we can move forward with love for Lily in our hearts.”

 A brief statement of apology Samuel made to the parents just prior to sentencing brought a reply to the defendant from Judge Wesley. “There are no words that you can say that will substitute for the loss you caused these people,” he said.

Jackson told reporters that after a painstaking review of the case, he believed that justice was served. Samuel, he said, can hurt no one else. “A killer is behind bars,” the prosecutor added.

Do you think that Justice was served in the case, or should Samuel have been given the "death penalty?"  Tell me your thoughts, and any memories you might have had of Lily.  I am tired of spending my taxes on those who admit that they have killed another person.  It is time to "rethink" our California justice system.

RIP Lily...RIP!
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Friday, May 28, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: TANKER TRUCKS ROLLS OVER and EXPLODES on 91 FREEWAY in CORONA shutting down highway! YIKES!

California 91Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
Friday, May 28, 2010
12:45 p.m.

CORONA --  Holy gas truck explosion, Batman!

An fuel tanker hauling 3,000 gallons of fuel has overturned and is burning on the 91 Freeway near Corona.

Smoke can be seen all over the OC and parts of the IE.

The crash occurred around 10:30 near the Corona Expressway.

Highway Patrol officers say the truck crossed the center divider on the eastbound 91 Freeway, overturned and exploded.

All lanes were closed in both directions as flames shot 100 feet into air and dense black smoke filled the sky.  Two other vehicles have also been involved in the crash.  Traffic has backed up for miles and the CHP says the freeway could be closed for six hours.




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Thursday, May 27, 2010

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL ALERT: Notgonorrhea Lectim is breaking out all over politically "active" California. "Votemout" pills are on the way! No one is safe in 2010 or 2012

None - This image is in the public domain and ...Image via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 27, 2010
9:45 p.m.

West Sacramento, CA:

A new medical warning has been issued tonight by the California Health Department.

I am the FIRST Internet Blogger to carry this scary  "BREAKING NEWS."

A new, nasty virus is hitting hard in the politically active communities of Bellflower, Los Angeles, South Gate, Long Beach, Commerce and Fresno.

Yep. Be careful, and watch your backside.

The new strain is called "Notgonorrhea Lectim" and tonight everyone is wanting to know how to fight this new nasty bug that is actually pronounced "Not Gonna re-elect 'em."

The disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behavior by uneducated voters who are putting their craniums up other lower body parts.

Many victims contracted it in 2008...but now most people, after having been infected for the past 1-2 years, are starting to realize how destructive this sickness is.

It's sad because Notgonorrhea Lectim is easily cured with a new drug just coming on the market called "Votemout. "

You take the first dose in 2010 and the second dose in 2012 and simply don't engage in such behavior again; otherwise, it could become permanent and eventually wipe out all life as we know it.

Several states are already on top of this epidemic....like Virginia and New Jersey, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania with many more like California and Nevada and Utah seeing the writing on the wall.

If you care about the future of your local community or state or nation, remember about "VOTEMOUT."

It works EVERYTIME, stupid! 
 
Argggh!
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BREAKING: Artesia City Council appoints Michele Diaz to fill term of late Councilman Larry Nelson

a zone model (urban planning)Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
http://www.economy4abc.blogspot.com/
May 27, 2010
7:43 p.m.

Artesia, CA:

The City of Artesia has a new city councilwoman tonight.

Michele Diaz has been appointed to serve out the remainder the late Councilman Larry Nelson's term who passed away last month after a short battle with cancer.

Diaz who is a city planner by profession, and a longtime resident of the community has also been a member of the Artesia City Planning Commission. 

She won appointment by receiving the votes of Mayor Tony Lima, Vice Mayor Victor Manalo, and Council Members Sally Flowers and John Lyons.  Lima said that his first choice was Manu Patel, followed by Zylstra, but ended up voting for Diaz in the end.

The other applicants for the position included Manu Patel, William Zylstra, Joyce Yeutter, and Indu Patel.  The seat expires in November 2011.   Flowers and Lyons praised Diaz for her "commitment" to Artesia and her willingness to serve during this "uncertain economic times."

Diaz took the oath of office tonight, and quickly got down to work on the city agenda.

Congrats....now the real work begins....
 
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WONG WAY: Ex-Temple City Councilgal Judy Wong pleads "no contest" to bribery. Faces 18 months in the slammer.

Flag of City of Temple CityImage via Wikipedia
Judy Wong seen in court earlier this year with former Temle City Mayor Cathe Wilson and their attorney. Wilson is also on trial for corruption in the same case.

BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy

www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 27, 2010
5:05 p.m.

LOS ANGELES – Judy Wong, the former Temple City mayor who resigned in March from the City Council, pleaded no contest today to multiple counts of bribery, perjury and solicitation to commit bribery and she could be spending nearly 2 years in prision for her crimes.

Wong pleaded open to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg, meaning there was no negotiated plea, said Deputy District Attorney Sean Hassett with the Public Integrity Division.

Wong, 54, faces up to 16 months in state prison when she returns on July 22 for sentencing.  I love Temple City politcs. These guys and gals play "hardball" all the time in these enclave.  Too bad so many of the city hall "insiders" are on the "take," if you catch my drift.

Wong was named in a 21-count indictment last year along with former Mayor Cathe Wilson, and Wilson’s campaign treasurer Scott Carwile.

The charges stem from allegations that Wong, Wilson and David Capra -- all council members in 2007 -- demanded and received cash bribes from Randy Wang, the developer of the Piazza project at Las Tunas Drive and Rosemead Boulevard. The three allegedly demanded bribes in return for support of the project.

Wong was charged with asking for and receiving about $13,100 in bribes in 2007 and 2008. Capra, who was charged separately, pleaded guilty last year to one misdemeanor count of failure to report a campaign contribution and agreed to resign from the council.

Carwile, 51, earlier pleaded guilty to one felony count of perjury and is awaiting sentencing.  Wilson, 77, who is charged with three counts each of perjury and bribery, returns to court on July 23 for a pretrial conference.


So, Judy, Judy, Judy....go to jail....straight to jail.  Do NOT collect $200 dollars...just go to jail.  DA Steve Cooley has bagged another political bad girl here in the LA County Hood!



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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Arrest warrant issued for Ex-Beverly Hills Mayor Charlotte Spadaro after she fails to appear in Riverside court on animal abuse charges

BREAKING NEWS
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 26, 2010
12:25 a.m.

Riverside, CA

An arrest warrant for former Beverly Hills (90650) Mayor Charlotte Spadaro has been issued in the Inland Empire after she failed to appear for her trial on charges that she kept 242 dogs at a Riverside kennel without licenses or proof of vaccination.

A friend of Spadaro, told a bailiff that she was in a hospital. Spadaro and her dogs were evicted last year from her isolated home in the IE.  Judge Michele D. Levine said Friday that the trial already has been postponed several times at Spadaro's request, and since she is acting as her own attorney the court can't proceed without her, thus the need for the arrest warrant.   Bail of $10,000 was set and the warrant will take effect if Spadaro doesn't attend a hearing today (Wednesday).

Stay tuned.  Ol' Char is always making headlines...good and bad.  See my past blog on this gal by clicking below.
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

HOLY POT BUST!: Van gets pulled over in Montebello and VIOLA! Out pops $4 Million worth of Weed

Main short-term somatic (bodily) effects of ca...Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 25, 2010
10 p.m.

HIGH IN MONTEBELLO, CA -
Holy ganja bust, Batman! Surprise, surprise, surprise.

So the cops in Montebello pull over this van over on Vail Avenue and Washington Boulevard in a "routine" traffic stop.  Son of a gun, 6,000 of pounds of marijuana with an estimated $4 million value is stuff inside  the vehicle. 

Who knew?!


Montebello officers stopped a what is known as a "large box truck" at 1 p.m. on Monday, and the officer discovered the truck loaded up with marijuana.

George Alfaro Chicas, 42, and Christian Sanchez, 30, both of Los Angeles, were booked in Montebello jail on suspicion of transportation of marijuana for sales. 

According to Lt. Rich Meadows, the two men were later released pending further investigation.  Wait a minute.  They find $4 million bucks worth of pot in a van and the let them go pending a "further investigation?"   Are you kidding me?

Amazing what you can get away with these days.  Oh, hell, just make pot legal.  Who really cares, right?

"Its JUST POT!"




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BREAKING NEWS: Local Community in shock after "hate" crime hits beloved Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Maywood

Santa Rosa de LimaImage via Wikipedia
Breaking News:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
MAYWOOD CA
May 25, 2010

This really makes me sad.

Maywood Police Officers responded to the Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church School over at 4430 W. 60th Street in Maywood, after someone vandalized a good portion of the beloved church, and causing extensive vandalism damage.


Further investigation revealed that the some of the vandalism was of a heinous nature, and in fact, consistent with a "hate crime."

 The vandals broke into the Church’s parish kitchen and left extensive damage. A portrait of the Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin Mary) was punctured with a kitchen knife in the eye, a Christian cross was placed in a sacrilegious manner upon the kitchen stove, vandals painted “666” in ketchup throughout the kitchen, and fecal matter was left on the adjacent auditorium stage.

“We are appalled by this heinous crime and stand in solidarity with our community in support of St. Rose of Lima”, said Maywood Mayor Ana Rosa Riso.

“This Church is a cornerstone in the community and we will not tolerate hate in Maywood” said Mayor Riso.

St. Rose of Lima is one of the largest Catholic churches in the Southeast region of Los Angeles. It has a predominantly Latino congregation and has more than 10,000 parishioners.

Joining in denouncing the violence are wonderful Maywood community groups PUMAS, Maywood Unidos, United Students of the Southeast, Union de Vecinos and the Maywood Lions Club.

The Maywood-Cudahy Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in solving this investigation. If you have any information, please call the Maywood-Cudahy Police Department Detective Bureau at (323) 562-5005. The handling investigator is Detective Fierro.

We cannot allow this type of crime to be allowed.  I hope that we can stand united as a community against this type of violent act. 

Even though no one was injured, this crimes hurts our entire community, and cannot be tolerated. 

Tonight I am praying for those responsible for this act.

If you were responsible for this act, please, do the right thing, and turn yourself into the authorities.

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MIGUEL SANTANA: LA City Official Pleads Guilty to DUI Charge. He got tipsy at "charity" event honoring LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Flag of Los Angeles, California.Image via Wikipedia
Breaking News:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 25, 2010
4:20 p.m.

WEST COVINA – Los Angeles City Administrative Official Miguel Santana pleaded no contest today to misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

Santana, 40, was arrested on Friday, March 26 in the Covina area by California Highway Patrol officers. He was freed on $5,000 bond and charged with 2 counts of DUI.

The charity event Santana was attending that evening before his much publicized arrest was a Charity Dinner in Honor of Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley

Cooley's office is who prosecuted this case today in which a plea deal was reached.

Deputy District Attorney Casey Jarvis of the West Covina Area Office said Santana was immediately sentenced to three years probation and was ordered to pay $1,737 in fines and penalty assessments.

West Covina Superior Court Commissioner Harold Mulville additionally ordered Santana to enroll in a six-month drinking-driver program and ordered him to participate in the hospital and morgue program. The latter program exposes DUI offenders to victims of alcohol-related incidents.

Under the terms of a negotiated plea agreement, a second count, driving while having a .08% or higher blood alcohol, was dismissed.
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U2 concerts at Anaheim Stadium called off due to Bono's injury. Rest of North American tour also moved to 2011.

Angel Stadium of Anaheim (nasa world wind 1.3.5)Image via Wikipedia

Breaking News:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 25, 2010
1:45 p.m. PST

Anaheim, CA:

Well, so much for seeing Bono and U2 this summer here in the OC.

I just learned that the upcoming U2 Concert's here at Anaheim Stadium on June 6th and 7th have been cancelled due to the injury that Bono suffered this past week.  As a matter of fact the entire North American Tour has been called off.

Speaking at the LMU University Hospital in Munich, Paul McGuinness, U2's Manager confirmed the postponement of 16 shows on the U2360° Tour from Salt Lake City on June 3rd, through to New Jersey's Meadowlands Stadium on July 19th.

Tour Promoters Live Nation are now rescheduling those dates.


McGuinness said, 'Our biggest and I believe best tour has been interrupted and we're all devastated. For a performer who lives to be on stage, this is more than a blow. He feels robbed of the chance to do what he does best and feels like he has badly let down the band and their audience. Which is of course nonsense. His concerns about more than a million ticket buyers whose plans have been turned upside down, we all share, but the most important thing right now is that Bono make a full recovery. We're working as fast as we can with Live Nation to reschedule these dates.'


Get well, Bono. 

I have hundreds of dollars invested into your recovery.
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Monday, May 24, 2010

Jamaica State of Emergency: Official notice to the People from a government under seize today. All schools in Kingston closed

A picture of the New Kingston skyline in Jamai...Image via Wikipedia
Breaking News:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 24, 2010
11:45 p.m.

I wanted to post this "official" information from the Official Jamaica State website.  It is always important to see how "the world around us" reacts in a "state emergency."


Earlier today the Security Forces launched an operation in Tivoli Gardens and surrounding areas of Western Kingston.


This Joint Military/Police operation is aimed at executing a warrant issued by the Courts of Jamaica for the arrest of Michael Christopher Coke otherwise called "Dudus" as well as to restore the area to stability after three consecutive days of barricading by criminal elements and wanton attacks on the police force.

During the operation seven members of the Security Forces were injured. Six of the seven were shot, one succumbed to his injuries. The other was injured in an accident. The operation is still ongoing and the Security Forces are resolute in bringing the area to stability so that law-abiding citizens of Western Kingston and its environs can get on with their lives in peace.

The Security Forces are reminding residents of Kingston and St. Andrew that there is a limited State of Emergency in effect and residents are asked to remain indoors.

The Ministry of Education is advising the public that all schools in the parish of Kingston - all basic, infant, primary and high schools - will be closed tomorrow until further notice. They include:


Denham Town Primary
St. Alban's Primary
St. Andrew Primary
Greenwhich All-age
Boys Town All-age
Tavares Gardens Primary
Whitfield All-age
Trench Town Primary
St. Michael's Primary
St. Aloysious Primary
St. George's Girls School
Mountain View Primary
Norman Gardens Primary and Junior High
Elletson Primary
Chetolah Park Primary
North Street Primary
St. Anne's Primary
St. Anne's Infant
Central Branch Primary
Central Branch Infant
St. Joseph Infant
Jones Town Primary
Windward Road Primary and Junior High
Calabar Primary and Junior High
Holy Family Primary
Holy Rosary Primary
Excelsior Primary
Vauxhall High
Trench Town High
Charlie Smith High
St Andrew Technical High
Excelsior High
Excelsior Community College
Kingston College
St George's College
Tivoli Gardens High
Denham Town High
Kingston High

In addition, Wolmer's Boys', Wolmer's Girls', Holy Childhood High, St Hugh's High and Ardenne High schools, which will serve as examination centres for students from the schools that will be closed, will not be opened for regular school tomorrow. These schools will only be opened to accommodate students that will sit examinations.  All other schools are to be opened for normal operations.

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Breaking News: Jamaica is under seige. My trip of a "lifetime" is a dream that will have to wait for a while. Pray for Peace in Kingston!



By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 24, 2010
9:30 p.m.

Praying for Jamaica...

Tonight I want to share my thoughts about the unrest and violence that is turning Kingston, Jamaica into a literal war zone, and how this is "hitting" close to home with me and many of my close friends.

I was scheduled to leave for Kingston on June 23rd to begin work documenting the life story of one of the most special men and organizations on this planet.... the Very Reverend Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon and the Mustard Seed Communities Family.

"Father Gregory,"  as he is known by many around the world, is the Founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, a Catholic charity that is dedicated to helping save the lives of babies and young people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and who are abandoned due to their health condition.



Thousands of people from all over the world have dedicated themselves to help Father Gregory and the Mustard Seed Communities save lives of those who have been "discounted" in society.

I met Father Gregory more than three years ago, when I began my journey to become a Catholic. My pastor Fr. Tony Gomez at St. Linus Catholic Church is the leader of the MSC here in the Western United States.

When I met Father Gregory, and Father Tony, my life totally changed.

Not in a small way, but in every way!

I remember telling Father Gregory aorund two years ago in my living room here in Cerritos (after one of the best dinners ever)  that "someone" should tell his "life story" to the world.

That "someone" I had in the back of my mind was me, and this project would be the biggest honor of my lifetime.

Fast forward to today.  My departure date to Kingston was set for June 23rd. 

Then the violence broke out, and tonight all of Kingston is the center of a violent drug war.  The images are hard to watch.  Army tanks, helicopters, raging fires,  gun fights, and a state of emergency has been declared.

So, this unrest and violence is hitting "home" tonight.  My trip has been put "on hold" until things "calm" down and when and only when it will be safe to travel to Jamaica. 

Remember, these words from
Fr. Gregory tonight:

"Negative emotions always appear to accompany hardship in the form of frustration, despair, fear, and doubt. Individuals ruled by these emotions often make poor choices. This is why I am recommending that you decide RIGHT NOW to respond to troubled times with praise and THANKSGIVING!!!

My friend, even in the darkest hours, worshipping God fills the heart with joy and the mind with peace. A believer who is filled in this way can wisely keep a commitment to obey the Lord no matter what.



Today let us quiet the storm so that we may see what God is doing in our situation and take the time to look at the areas in our lives where He requires our obedience. He has never disappointed anyone and will never…THANK YOU LORD!

 Well said, Father, well said!  Peace for Kingston tonight.
Randy


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Sunday, May 23, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Violence in Kingston, Jamaica puts my upcoming travel plans in limbo

Coat of arms of Jamaica.Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
Kingston, Jamaica
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
May 23, 2010

My upcoming trip to Jamaica on June 23rd has been put in limbo tonight due to the breakout of violence and rioting that has turned most of Kingston into a virtual war zone.  I purchased my plane tickets last Friday and it looks like I may not be going becuase of this development.

The US Department of State is alerting all U.S. citizens who are planning to travel to Jamaica (that would be ME), or who are currently in the island county that a "state of emergency"  is now in effect for at least the next 30 days.  Gang members blocked off a miles-long area of Jamaica's capital city -- mostly in West Kingston -- using vehicles, sandbags, barbed wire and anything else they could find.

According to reports on CNN, the standoff revolves around attempts by the United States to extradite suspected drug kingpin Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Last year he was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine and with conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms in U.S. federal court.

On Friday, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding said citizens should "allow the courts to deal with the extradition matter," the state-run Jamaica Information service reported.  The FBI and US State Department and several other international agencies are in Kingston tonight dealing with this crisis that is just beginning to unfold.

A JOURNEY OF MY LIFETIME
Put on Hold....?

I have been planning this trip to Jamaica for the past 8 months.



I have been preparing a project that will document the amazing works of Catholic Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, the Founder of the Mustard Seed Communities who is in Jamacia.

The Mustard Seed Communities was founded over 30 years ago, and now cares for over 600 children in 14 communities, throughout Jamaica, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Zimbabwe.

They have thousands of dedicated volunteers from all over the globe, and their mission is to meet the growing needs of the most vulnerable members of our society by improving the economic, social and spiritual conditions of the communities we serve.

I want to share their story of how they make a difference in the lives of children who are abandoned, or have disabilities, and children that suffer from HIV/AIDS, and teens that are pregnant and alone, and others who are struggling with drug and alcohol problems in this part of our world.

I met Father Gregory over three years ago when I became a Catholic.  He has been one of the biggest inspirations in my entire life.

Tonight I am praying for Jamaica!

Randy
 .
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