Your opinion matters most and so I am delighted to read all your truthful responses to my debut DNO June 27th column, and just like the politicians say when they wish to cover up a lie, “Let me clear the air” I am not the obviously learned blogger ‘1979’ as some seem to think. Any response from me will carry my name.
While I expected comments on this website, I did not anticipate a whole ton of them on my private email address which mostly were complimentary, some with disagreements and a few disagreeable but all are welcome. I have then dedicated an email address to those who wish to comment directly to me –[email protected].
I received emails pleading that the May 29th matter be allowed to fade away, but to those I repeat the opening lines from the Showtime series THE TUDORS about the life of England’s Henry the Eighth, “You think you know a story but you only know how it ends. To get to the heart of the story you have to go to the beginning.”
But how the times have changed – communication is now instant and people can respond as the emails to me show, from the farthest reaches in our world and even beyond.
No, I did not get a letter from the moon but it is clear that mankind can now speak to those living on space stations, today cell phones are a child’s dream toy and a parent’s nightmare, our children know more about computers than we do and something worse- now you can be traced wherever you are on your Blackberry albeit the company is on shaky financial ground these days and may soon be eating blues berry and frog.
It is ever changing high tech that makes it possible to know where our Prime Minister Skerrit went and for the talk show hosts and reporters to be able to gloat, “I know what you did last night.” The latest revelation is about the ALBA declaration apparently agreed at an ALBA meeting and reported in ALBA member newspapers that USAID should be kicked out of its member countries and ‘voila’ we are one of them according to those papers that agreed to let our ‘Made in China’ kicking boots rip into USAID’s bleeper just as was done with Taiwan.
No sooner, but not before, this was publicly known the PR squad was out with vehement denials. Everybody ‘ lied on our poor PM’ and even if he signed the agreement, well it was the devil that got involved somehow, somewhere. The question is are we serious about ALBA or is it a convenient vehicle for cash strapped Waitikubuli to get a little something so we are on the ALBA red bus just for that ride? After every decision of ALBA our delegation returns home and if they find an irate home crowd the general attitude is, “It wasn’t me” ‘The devil made me do it’ kind of excuse to we the people is more like a Christian testifying before a Sunday congregation with those attending saved souls more interested in the juicy details of the sin rather than the salvation.
As we stumble along more and more of such declarations will come as Chavez continues his war against US influence in the region, so is it that we the people who have been forced into ALBA without a “by your leave’ are just going to have to accept the ignominy of our PM making excuses through his surrogate? Are the people to gobble explanations like pizza with three helpings of cheese, that he was there but he did not sign any statement agreeing to anything?-a sort of Bill Clinton marijuana statement, “I put it in my mouth but I did not inhale.”
It is for this reason we the people need to know now what did our leader inhale, “Did he smoke ALBA or does he still have it in his mouth scared to inhale?” Does the agreement allow its member shepherds to agree at a meeting and when they get home just tell the sheep what they wish to hear? What does this ALBA agreement hold for us the ordinary people and what is it we may have to live with long after the present rulers are gone if ever? We will not be able to run away from our path or what they have done saying “it wasn’t me.”.
I am therefore calling on the parliamentary opposition to with sustained extensive vigour taking in recent events, demand full disclosure of all that is entailed in this ALBA agreement written and unwritten otherwise we will be stuck with the ‘It wasn’t me” excuses as ALBA’s Chavez anti-US doctrine increasingly unfolds under our noses.
The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of dominicanewsonline.com or its advertisers.
get out of here with that “above level’ crap. Good writing does not have to be complex.
The simpler the better. Every good writer knows that!
Thanks Dennis Joseph for inspiritional thoughts. Well researched, thought of and written.
I am of the firm view that many Dominicans do not read, fail to read, do not know how to read and therefore refuse to read to be well informed.
Not only that of Dennis but as clearly indicated in his articles, he obviously seems to be well read, well informed and well message is well written. That encourages us and forces us to think and to arrive at our OWN concusion, if yo are cinverted to his view good for you, but I do not think this is his intend. The intent as if DNO to offer altenative thougts and views. Here is an example of where our people fail to read, in paticular the skerritites and the defenders of Skerrit. I quote from this article of Dennis. Here goes:
“You think you know a story but you only know how it ends. To get to the heart of the story you have to go to the beginning.”
And here is another that I like:”a sort of Bill Clinton marijuana statement, “I put it in my mouth but I did not inhale.”..And the story goes on thus: “It is for this reason we the people need to know now what did our leader inhale, “Did he smoke ALBA or does he still have it in his mouth scared to inhale?”
I think the analogy, the allegory, the style of writing begs us to think, exhale and teases our consiciousness and loyalty to Dominica. I look forward to reading more. Thanks Dennis
I do not want to agree or disagree with anyone about this writer.
ijust know this is a former teacher,an a very talented individual,i think he can defend himself amicably.
i don’t understand what so difficult in his writing,but i understand my people;
if they don’t hear what they want to hear, or if they don’t like a person,whatever they say aint gonna make sense to them,
i am not a fan of the writer, but i respect him for his intelegence.He is a man who have been there done that, long befor even tony left school,
so if tony can be understood;to me is a clear case of MONEY TALKS B— S— WALKS.
DENNIS keep trying,you don’t need all of them,youjust need a few good men to understand.
Nice article I guess some of the confusion with the piece may be because some people do not know any thing about ALBA or what it stands for so they may have to do some research but it sure made for interesting reading and I guess I await some more inhaling.
There is nothing wrong with the article Mr Joseph wrote, It might be true some of the words and parable might be a little difficult to understand,but let’s face it. It is a good way for us to improve our reading and knowledge by looking up the words you dont understand that the way people learn. What’s wrong with a little challenge?
Denis, I do understand frustration of some readers who simply could not get the quintessential point of this article. In fact, after reading the article the first time, I did not quite get it. I thought I would read it twice or three times later in the day before commenting. I have read it more than once and I must say that while I get it, I did not feel the vibes. The article is missing the expected ummff- whatever that is. I though it is a bit flat and abstract. Nevertheless, the respect for you is still intact. I am encouraged that you give value to our opinions and you will be delighted to read all our truthful responses and react to them in a mature and professional mature – as I am sure you will.
Let me take off from where you ended in your article with the call on the parliamentary opposition to sustain an extensive vigour and to continue to demand full disclosure of all that is entailed in this ALBA agreement written and/or unwritten. By extension, the call should not only come from the official parliamentary opposition but members of the general public, voters, citizens of Dominica and of course, bloggers of the “People’s Virtual Parliament” (The PVP) of DNO. Furthermore, the demand should not be limited to the ALBA Agreement but to all bilateral and multi-lateral Agreements entered into by this administration such as the MOU with China.
Last week you started off discussing truth. Since then, we have been bombarded with more ugly, uncomfortable lies, and distorted illusions by Labour Party bloggers and writers like Ronald Franco Charles including an outrageous accusation that supporters of UWP are inviting America to invade Dominica. Imagine the lies, propaganda, misinformation, more lies and disgusting spin of the Labour Party administration and its group of shameless apologists on the ALBA issue. In examining the truth in the partisan statements of Dominica’s ALBA Ambassador Dr. Philbert Aaron, the UWP and all civic-minded, patriotic Dominicans must continue to spend time in search for and demand truth.
Those of us who are genuinely concerned with the unwarranted vicious attack and boldface rupturing of Dominica’s hymen of innocence should not give up the hope of rescuing the country from those opportunistic and selfish elements among us who spend all their time hiding, discolouring, masking and persecuting truth in order to safeguard their egos and to control a society that has unfortunately become tame, docile and submissive to the powers that be. These politicians and their stooges shall be buried beneath a pile of their own deceitful utterances and conduct. They shall be undone by their greed for wealth and political power to the extent of using well founded principles of the criminal legal system such as “self-incrimination principle” to protect themselves from the sanctions that is due to them from their political and constitutional ills.
We must never be ashamed to confront the likes of Dr Aaron and Messrs LEN & AS. We must let them know that we shall continue to call for truth in our politics. We desire it. We need it. We demand it. The politics of truth, which is foreign to the present administration, will serve the opposition right in the long run. Let them fly their red kites. Soon the winds of change shall blow in from the north, south, east and west until the Trios Pitons stretch to Diablotin to embrace the contributions of those who bravely stood up in defense of Witikubuli. How long? not long- till those who were falsely accused of corruption shall be full vindicated and those who are the real corrupt and wicked politicians shall face the judgment of their own undoing. Indeed, politics may not primarily deal with truth, but Dominicans want the truth from its politicians and those who can not handle truth need to vacate their political seats.
Dominicans should resolve that the will throw their support behind a party that is temporarily stuck because of the genuine nature of Dominicans who gave the young man a chance combined with the ignorance of some who drank the corruption Kool Aid of its political opponents, who misused the resources of the state to finance their campaign, creating an uneven playfield during the general elections. Dominican must support any political party that focuses on truthfulness as a pillar for future success never mind the temporary set backs in its progress.
With specific regard to the ALBA issue, it is interesting that the Government of Dominica has not taken any action against the Cuban news agency-Granma for- according to the LOULERS in Chief LEN & AS that Dominica had signed on to the ALBA resolution/declaration- which according to Darroux, Vince, LEN & AS et al may have been just an informal “draft” document that the Dominican delegation had not seen. If, in fact, “Granma” got it all wrong about Dominica’s support for ALBA’s positions, then the Cuban news agency owes Dominica a major apology at the highest level- Don’t hold your breath. You shall be stuck in expectation of the truth from the bunch of lying, deceitful, mendacious, two-faced, dishonest, deceiving, corrupt, crooked politicians, who are at the helm of the political leadership of Dominica.
I admire and appreciate the time you take to construct your comments roseau valley…. you are gifted not only with the pen and the expression of your thoughts, but also with patience… I have never found you coming off as crude as I often do…. Only on my good days do I find the patience to respond eloquently to some of the simpletons and apologists on DNO(who the cap fit let them wear it). I pray that you continue the GREAT work, for the sake of OUR country, our children and the protection of our democratic society.
P.S
There are those who PURPOSELY act like they don’t know better when in fact they do, what I call.. Being SMART by PLAYING STUPID…. and that just digs my skin…. we have too much of that in Dominica. and every time someone wants to save their lapo derien they come up with that old technique of BEING SMART BY PLAYING DUMB….
According to Arundale Thomas to Angelo- Thanks, you are so kind. I am impressed with your wittiness and astuteness. I like your style. You are an honourable and respectable member of the PVP of DNO- like Met Yo and our opponents Peeping Tom and Prof Wikileak (who by the way appears to be on unplanned vacation lately).
This is not in defense of my former teacher from Newtown School and later Roseau Boy’s School, however, the number of comments regarding the readability of Mr. Joseph’s commentary forced me to do a simple analysis on the article. According to Word 2007 using the Flesch-Kincaid scores the article is rated as such:
Flesch Reading Ease 45.9
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 16.2
The question now is what do these numbers mean?
{In the Flesch Reading Ease test, higher scores indicate material that is easier to read; lower numbers mark passages that are more difficult to read.
Scores can be interpreted as shown in the table below.
Score Notes
90.0–100.0 easily understood by an average 11-year-old student
60.0–70.0 easily understood by 13- to 15-year-old students
0.0–30.0 best understood by university graduates
These readability tests are used extensively in the field of education. The “Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level Formula” translates the 0–100 score to a U.S. grade level, making it easier for teachers, parents, librarians, and others to judge the readability level of various books and texts. It can also mean the number of years of education generally required to understand this text, relevant when the formula results in a number greater than 10.
(The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level) is calculated to produce a number that corresponds with a grade level. For example, a score of 8.2 would indicate that the text is expected to be understandable by an average student in 8th grade (usually around ages 12–14 in the United States of America).} (Wikipedia)
The Flesch Reading Ease score of 45.9 suggests that the article is slightly above the level of high school seniors.
The Grade level of 16.2 suggests that the article is of the level of grade 16. Grade 16 is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree. Therefore the article is expected to be understandable by an average college graduate.
I am not sure whether Mr Joseph’s intent was to write an article to exclude non college graduates . One other conclusion we can make is that the majority of readers of DNO may not be college graduates and hence the confusion of readability.
Someone mentioned that Dennis Joseph likes to use “allegories” throughout his writings, that may be true, for I noticed thise expressions all through his message in this news article. I do not know anything about Dennis Joseph–so I will continue reading from here on.
An allegory is like a parable or a metaphor, for example. Jesus used a lot of parables throughout His teachings as well; up to the point where His disciples asked Him: “Why do You speak to the people with parables”.
Jesus’ teachings about the “wheat and tare”, the “goat and sheep”, “the lost coin”, “the sower and the seeds” and many more were all parables that He used, so that by spiritual wisdom and faith, people will come to understand “True Life” in them, when they had that Life.
“True Life” is the primary blessing of God to us; by our channel of faith; Holy Spirit takes control and to raise us in Eternal Life right into the presence of God Almighty in Paradise. That is the reason Jesus tells us: The flesh profits nothing! It is the Spirit who gives us Life–but that is our choice, God is not forcing us.
However Dennis Joseph is not Jesus Christ, and since he claimed not be the person 1979–whom he suggested to be a learned one; personally I have never read anything “learned” from that one, 1979–that person’s opinion is all about politics; I could not care less about that subject, but I have lots of wisdom, understanding, and insight to determine the difference.
And so I am sorry to say that Dennis Joseph is not yet qualified in using allegories to help people who read his message–that truth is quite obvious in the majority of responses to this news article. And if he is going to continue writing with those little parables, metaphors, fables, or symbols–whatever he claims them to be, I have the feeling he won’t last too long on DNO.
Nevertheless, I saw this coming last week when I read that Dennis Joseph used two verses of the Bible in the Gospel of John, and he combined them to illustrate what he intended to prove.
I will write that out to those who do not remember. Dennis Joseph said, in trying to define “Truth” last week: The man Pilate said to Jesus: “Do You know that I have the power to crucify You, and the power to release You?” That verse is at John 19: verse 10
Jesus answered to Pilate at John 19: verse 11, but that answer of Jesus has nothing to do with what Dennis Joseph quoted as Jesus’ answer to Pilate, in his discussion of last week.
He said that Jesus response to Pilate was: “You said it right, that I am a King; for this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into this world, that I should bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth hears My voice”. At that response of Jesus, Pilate asked Him: What is Truth? That conversation between Pilate and Jesus is at John 18: verses 37-38
Now if Dennis Joseph had any knowledge of the Bible, when he quoted those two verses which came from separate chapters of the Gospel of John, he would know that those two verses do not belong together–as question and answer.
Not only that, Dennis Joseph did not see that Pilate’s question to Jesus and Jesus’ answer to Pilate, as he quoted them together in that news article of last week, did not correspond at all, at all, at all! So what has he planned to teach us with a state of ignorance like what he expressed last week–even this week.
Therefore Dennis Joseph is not qualified to use those allegories which he is using to build the theme of his message, he is simply making a fool of himself, and further confusing those who are searching for the “Truth”.
But that is a common habit in everyone who try to apply human wisdom and philosophy in their walks throughout this world. We need the wisdom, understand, and discernment from God, if we want to survive in this world. Therefore pray with faith to ask God for those gifts of the Spirit.
God said that He will not allow flesh to glory in His presence, that is what human wisdom and their philosopy is trying to do; they will always fail. And now I rest my case!
but I have lots of wisdom, understanding, and insight to determine the difference.
BE NOT WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES….
the begining of learning is to first acknowledge oneself as and empty vessel…. how can that which is FULL be added unto??
you may not like me nor my personal opinions but Humbleness is the strenght which god has given me… find that in yourself and you will be okay..
by the way I HAVE NEVER CLAIMED TO BE “LEARNED”.
Also you may label me as “political” but remember that columbus came with his bible and cross.
and we all know how that went… keep on preaching “the lords word” sister…
as I continue to dissect your condescending comment lo and behold I read “from that one”….
are you the bringer of mans Judgement????
here’s some wisdom from the tree of truth….
knowledge comes from anywhere. from the begger and the lowly. even broken clock is right at least twice a day….
while you continue to exalt yourself…. come wither and drink my friend..
why don’t someone make another smart comment about
“THAT ONE”????? uhhhh??? claiming to be christians then refer to other individuals as THAT ONE???????
I waiting
in ending Lizavier from WHEREVER….
JUDGE NOT, LEST YOU BE JUDGED FIRST.
I have never really taken interest in your posts before…
Now I see that I have been doing myself a gracious favor. u see it seems that you have something else reading from. cloaked in the binding of a holy bible….
god be with you…
Wow! Wow! you wicked man/woman. That was blistering ooooohhh!I can feel it
valley she asked for it. I don’t mean to be wicked.
You really need to take a pause. You are one condesending, fall from heaven piece of work……can somebody just hv their say without ur panties getting in. Knot? Jeez lady, get life.
So boy you doh find Denis Joseph’s story was long enough 4 you to come back and write all dat on it again? lol
I do not often agree with the writer’s comments/views on issues in the public domain. He has his own biases like all of us. Soemof us are rooting for Skerrit. Others want him out by any means necessry, including “closing down this blasted country”. Ask Carshim about that. But by Job, the man has an opinion which he wishes to share with the world. Allow him to do so.
I too look forward to next year when he publishes the book according to his own perspective and information about May 29th 1979. After all he was the “Man with the Master plan” operating inside the engine of the Patrick John Labour Party when he served as Media Communications Director or some position of that sort. He has inside details from Patrick John’s perspective and I want to read about them just as I did in Lennox’s “Dominica Story”. I wil be among the first to buy a book. The man has a right to his opinion, his writing style and importantly, to free speech.
Q95 was not enough for you! I guess you have promulgate elsewhere?
For persons to be so confused about this article is hilarious. In a nut shell Mr. Joseph is recommending that the public and opposition demand to know what is in the ALBA agreement because like everybody else, Venezuela has an agenda. This agenda is aimed directly at the US and we the cute, very misinformed people are being manipulated to fulfill Chavez’s “stick-it-to-the-man” attitude toward the world’s current power house. We can no longer have a leader in power who simply brushes our weak protests aside with excuse after excuse coming from his side-kick.
It pains me to see the trend, to realize the truth and to know that so many refuse to wake up from their slumber. It is this very sentiment of not caring which will continue to make us as a people a laughing stock for the entire world. We have no backbone. We have lost our desire to live freely because we have given up our political and economic freedoms and willingly so. No gun was every held to our heads, simply a smile and two dimples and we surrendered it all. Good article Mr. Joseph, you have made it a lot easier for me to see through the red fog.
Thanks for your article. Its unfortunate that its contents won’t be absorbed by what seems to be the average reader – as the trend of comments would suggest. I am guessing however there are many that followed the argument, and decided not to comment. I completely agree that there should be more clarity on the relationship with ALBA and specifically a statement from the ELECTED powers that be on whether there is support for the recent declaration or not.
What the heck is this?
saying without saying…cleverly written mr joseph…but i think you need to tone it down so that dominicans can understand…i am sure most of them have no idea what you are talking about.
You are very disrespectful and I, a Dominica take offence at your degrading comment. What do you mean by “he needs to tone it down so that Dominicans can understand…i am sure most of them……” – I sincerely hope you understand the reason for my disgust.
Is it me or just it is a poorly written article..I have no idea wat he said or was trying to say ,,
It’s way above your level. Accept our sympathy.
Am feeling sorry for you
this just reflects our intelligence in this little Country called Dominica. A simple article like this u cannot read and understand, my God help us
You are right, i always read his articles. In the past when it was in the SUN newspaper and the first he posted on DNO; but alas, am lost with this one – what exactly is he talking about; that ALBA thing or What? Mr. Joseph, i dont think you put much thought into this one at all.
I have always respect you as a brilliant commentator and writer but for some reason I have difficulties in digesting your articles. In the past I when start reading your newspaper articles I would just stop reading, since I just cant comprehend what your topic is based on. Therefore I stop reading your newspaper articles. I read your first DNO article, then this one and up to now I don’t understand what you are trying to say. Maybe you should change your style of writing. My favourite author is John Grisham, and I have read most of his books and up to now I can retain most of his stories.
Thank you for this well written article. I hope that the bloggers will raise the bar and discuss in candid objectivity..
We have plenty people here who won’t understand nothing the man wrote. It’s way above their level. So the bar won’t be raised at all. Our education system in Dominica has failed us, too many grown people with no common sense and basic understanding. And is so the young ones coming up to replace them.
Met Yo,
It is sad to say the least. Mr Joseph is calling on us to think outside the box and to make our own decision. He is providing the opportunity for free and frank discuss and sadly some of us are unable to meet these simple requirements of constructive engagement.
Its like some of us who love KFC and are ignorant of the Health risks involve.. Sad but True.
Take a rest from the public, you all put us in enough trouble already.
DNO, with this man, soon there will be no DNO.
hahahahahaha…the truth does prick allu in strange places
jojo rive’ pou dance belle’… LLOOLL my favorite. sing it JOJO ou sa chante belle aussi!!!!
Mr. Denis what are you really saying. Your entire article seems very confusing and not clear enough.
Good guestion. What is Mr.Dennis really saying?
its above u? allas
Ah Ah, Open your brain… Step Up
Mr. Joseph is fond of using “allegories” – yes, I had to look up that word in the dictionary when someone mention that to me. Perhaps this is the problem. By writing in this way, though very clever, you run the danger of putting yourself outside the scope of the majority you wish to reach. Good writing mr. Joseph but pls. try to keep it simple.
Are you implying that most readers are incapable of understanding allegories ? It is unfortunate that you just found out. Stop placing the critics of Mr. Dennis’s writing on that boat with you.
well when u write “allegorically” which has the same root as the word “allege”, by the way, you can cover your butt with both hands.
Sorry that you level of education is primary school. Because the article is ver clearto understand.
Now Nation, you’re making assumptions. I do understand mr. Joseph’s article but also assume that he wants to be understood by as many people as possible, so why not simplify the language? Not everyone is “highbrow” and I’m sure that its not mr. Joseph’s intention to write for the intelectual elite only. I’m sure the very thought of that would horrify him.
Thank you for trying to educate us so openly what and how ALBA opperates and D’ICA haven got any back bone to say “NO” to ALBA head leader Skeritt believe that without the membership of ALBA we cannot move forward but how wrong he is , he dint take the time to study the documents he signed us too if he had done so he would understand how much we are being used and we should abstain but he didnt because he saw a way that would only benifit his own motive and the people of D’ica were not his priority therefore we will continue to be at a disadvantage where ALBA is concern.
We as Dominicans must understand that when ever ALBA issues or publishes any statments D’ICA as a member is automatically agreeing to it that’s the position our so call PM puts us into but I want us all to know America is not a country to joke with because the back lashes are far more reaching.
Thank you for taking the time to educate us I know their are those that will disagree with your assessment of the fact but those of us who know what is happening we understand so I encourage you to continue to speak out .
I cannot criticise your journalistic ability,because I am no journalist.However, when I fist read that you were going to have a weekly commentary on my beloved DNO,I was very excited.However,so far, I am dissapointed,because I have not seen the fireworks I anticipated,maybe it is to early and you are just testing the waters.My friend, we dont play games on DNO,it is very hot in that kitchen,so guide yourself accordingly.You better step up to the plate or will might just recommend Jose Shaw.
Thanks for this, “Let me clear the air” I am not the obviously learned blogger ‘1979’ as some seem to think.” I raised it. I shall submit my substantive comment on your article later-Big up 1979- the learned blogger!!!!
valley you are more befitting the spotlight… your eloquence far surpasses my tact and sharp rhetoric.
I am too crude for such acknowledgement.
Admin can attest to that…
I am not that quality of person to be placed in such a place…
Reverse ALBA and you get ABLA, the ill conceived housing project scheme in Chicago,which enjoyed but a relatively short- and troubled life, and now largely demolished. ALBA too will meet the same fate as ABLA, as dogmatic, socially engineered enterprises are bound to, especially when spite and venom are the cement meant to hold them together. ALBA is ABLA, upside down and back to front.
Would you say the same thing for the “good governance” neo-liberal project promoted by the World Bank and the IMF, and their backers?
HAHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, WHO IS MORE NEO-LIBERAL THAN ONE R.M.S?????????????????
tell me Peeper!