Author: debora48bg

Coronavirus – An Opportunity?

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This virus has leveled the playing field. What do I mean by that? No matter age, gender, social class, nationality, the coronavirus has affected our entire planet. Borders mean nothing.

Amazon ran out of toilet paper. People are hoarding the most ridiculous things, thinking the world is going to end. This is Armageddon. Experts are pointing out that mandatory social isolation is bad for our mental health. The suicide rate and overuse of drugs will go up, domestic violence, as well.  The most vulnerable of us; seniors, the homebound, people with pre-existing conditions are scared.

On the other hand, medical personnel are coming out of retirement in order to volunteer their help. Restaurants are donating food. Businesses have started donating money for research. There are thousands of uplifting stories like that every day. I’m focusing on those little tidbits, not media hysteria.

I’ve been homebound for almost a decade, due to the loss of my eyesight. It’s been difficult to explain to people just what that’s like. You can’t leave your home unless someone offers to drive you, but everybody is busy. When you do go out, it’s usually for a medical appointment. Visitors are few and far between, again because everybody has their own lives, their own struggles, pain, and issues. When we become wrapped up in our own lives, it’s easy to forget those that are permanently homebound, bedridden, and the like. One thing about this virus – it will pass, when it does, what will we be left with?

Everyone came together during the 9/11 catastrophe. When all was said and done, people went back to their daily lives. Our only reminder was the empty space where the World Trade Center stood. The debris was cleared, the dead buried, the disabled firefighters, police, and volunteers tried their best to put their lives back together. To this day, the mental anguish of that fateful day survives.

A reporter interviewed one nurse the other day. Near tears, she tried to explain her struggle as she tried to help victims of the coronavirus die. The family could not be with the victim, and she didn’t want them to die alone. I cried with her, and am still crying now as I think of her. My heart goes out to those selfless people who are trying their best to deal with a horrific situation.

I started this blog about 6 months ago, and to tell you the truth, I haven’t posted anything in a long time because I’ve been going through my own struggles. I didn’t want to come across in the wrong way. I don’t know if anyone will read this, but it doesn’t matter.

I only hope we can come through this uplifted, responsible, and with a raised awareness that as the human race, we all walk this earth together. Pray, be kind to each other and put ourselves in each other’s shoes.

One final note… I was the victim of identity theft. I can tell you from experience, please limit your information on the Internet. This is the thief’s dream. Don’t say where you are, don’t talk about your birthday because they use that information against you, the less you say, the better. Encourage each other, support each other, help each other.

Stay safe, and healthy,

Deborah

Merry-Go-Round 2019

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Each new election cycle brings with it new people. Of course, the new people have no idea what’s going on.  The first thing on my list was to find out who my new Senator, Congressman, and Assemblyman were. Accomplishing that, the next step was to contact them.

They were unavailable.  Newly elected, they were setting up their office. They had meetings.  Just when I thought I was getting somewhere, finding out they escaped on a 7 day vacation during the 3rd week in February.  Really? Remember, their office opened in January.

Of course, you cannot speak to these officials directly – you must go through their office staff.  They have 2 phone numbers – one in Albany, and their district office.  No answer at my assemblyman’s office, not even voicemail.  His district office told me the staff member was out with a family emergency.  Still no answer after 2 weeks.

Moving on to the Senate, the staff member informed me that the identity theft bill had passed the Senate – on June 12, 2018.  What was the status? I asked.  It was just sitting there he told me,  contact the assembly to find out why.

I had to call different members of the assembly committee to find out the problem.  No one knew about the bill.  The new assembly member didn’t even have it on her list according to her office staff.  After looking the bill up, the staff member told me it looked like a good bill.  She would pass the information on to the legislative department in the assemblyman’s office.  The Senate bill number was 2406A,  the same as last year only because the bill had passed the Senate.

One stroke of luck was the new Senator, Sen. Savino (518–455–2945) had worked with Sen. Goldin last year, so she knew about the bill.  However, she was unavailable. The new assembly member Donna Lupardo, the aging chair for the assembly (518–455–5431) would look into it.

Assembly member Rebecca  Seawright  is the new  Consumer  fraud  member (518–455–5676) and had worked with Sen. Goldin as well.  I also spoke with special assistant Jack Robbins.

Sen.  Savino’s office advised me that the bill was moved to the Ways and Means Committee on June 12  last year.  Ways and Means? I looked it up – Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. Under article I section 7 of the U.S. Constitution which declares:  all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives. The committee has jurisdiction over revenue and related issues such as tariffs, trade agreements, and bonded debt of the United States. It also oversees revenue related to Social Security, Medicare, and social services.

Someone is trying to move this bill into oblivion and kill it.

Then I  was told to contact  the Assembly chair  Elaine Weinstein (518–455–5462).  At least I found the new bill number…A 5496.

This isn’t a system. We are enmeshed in quicksand.  I voted for some of these people.  To find out that my taxpayer dollars are being wasted on vacation, a blase attitude,  and that my needs are not being met infuriates me. No wonder identity theft is so rampant – no one cares.  Unless you’re a victim.  I included telephone numbers just in case someone out there felt like asking questions.  I don’t want to give up because I feel vulnerable in that there is no law protecting us.

Staff members in each of the above senators and assemblyman’s office could not explain why the current N.Y.S Penal Code shows the bill as law, since it has definitely not passed the assembly.  I am assured that it is not a law even though the Penal Code says it is.  Believe me, I wish it were law, even though it wouldn’t help me ex post facto.

I’m tired, and can use some help.

Good luck,

Deborah

 

What’s Up With This?

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Hi everyone.  I hope all is well and that you made it through the latest round of snowstorms. I’m sure you’re all sick and tired of winter, and desperately hope that the groundhog was right in that it’s supposed to be in early spring.

Speaking of sick and tired – I’ve been doing a little investigating. Remember my beef about the New York State Penal Code, that there’s no identity theft law? And many of you looked up Penal Code 190.79 – 84.  Now don’t start rolling your eyes until you hear what I have to say.

I decided to place a call to my senator in order to clarify the current New York State penal law regarding identity theft. I was informed by his staff member that Senate Bill 2406 A, regarding identity theft, was passed by the Senate on June 11, 2018. However, according to his records, it still has not passed the assembly as of this date, February 4, 2019.

So then, I told him that I was confused.  If the law has not passed the Assembly, why is it showing up on the Internet under the Penal Code as if it is a law?  He couldn’t give me an answer. Then I queried him “why is it showing up as if identity theft is a crime?” He didn’t know that, either.

I wondered if this happens all the time?  Are amendments showing up as if they were laws when they haven’t been passed?  This can be confusing to people.  Well, he couldn’t answer.  The only advice he could give was to contact Assemblyman Lentols office, as the assembly sponsor, and find out what was going on.

When, or if, I can get an answer to my question, I will update the blog. In the meantime, even though it looks like there’s a law for identity theft, there is no law.

Of course, if the DA won’t move forward with prosecution, it doesn’t matter anyway. Prosecutorial discretion, remember?

Welcome to New York.  If anyone out there can clarify this crazy situation, let me know.  It might stop my head from spinning.

Have a good one, be safe.

Deborah

Congratulations to the new parents!

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I am so happy to report that my good friends just became the proud grandparents of a baby boy on February 1! Good thing, as mama was ready to burst. Oddly, she didn’t complain about giving birth early – Gee, I wonder why?

I don’t know the name of the baby, because dad was so happy he was crying. When my friend asked her son-in-law the baby’s name, he couldn’t speak. She told me he just kept blubbering “I don’t care” whatever”!”

It’s wonderful to see a baby that’s lucky enough to be born into a loving family able to support him both financially as well as emotionally as he grows. My heart goes out to the many people and children who are not as fortunate. Each new life brought into this world deserves the best. Every parent, no matter where they live, wants the best for their child.

While I know that this child will grow up with the best education, the best nutrition (my friend used to be a chef), and a secure environment in which to grow up, I can’t help thinking about the many children who are not so fortunate.

Each living being on this planet is precious. No matter what country we live in, background, race, religion, creed, every one of us is just a segment of humanity.  Every living being, whether animal, tree, or fish, is part of the whole that nourishes us.

We all feel the same emotions, and we all have a heart. My hope is that this new generation will be able to live in light, love, and peace. That would be a great lesson for us all.

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World – YouTube

These words are still true.

Love,

Deborah

Should the Penal Code be subjective?

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It has been pointed out to me that I am wrong. Identity theft IS a crime according to the New York Penal Code. I have maintained, as a victim of identity theft, the law should have been upheld. In my case, it was not.  If the law is not upheld, there might as well be no law.

I was robbed twice. The first thief wiped out my savings, and two financial institutions provided proof of that. But the case went on for years, going through three different district attorney’s, and two jurisdictions. By the time the case got to district attorney number three, it was so overwhelming that the district attorney could not make sense of what happened. Since it never went to a grand jury, the thief got away with it.

The second case was handled by a different investigator. He gathered information and questioned the thief who confessed. The investigator brought the information to a different DA in the same office where my first case was handled. Because it was so clear, the thief faced felony charges, and I received restitution.

The victim of any crime has no say in the matter. The final decision is up to the district attorney making it subjective to the district attorney’s whim. That’s unfair to the victim. My hope in telling you this story is to find other victims in similiar situations so that we can come together and find a solution.

It’s really difficult if you have not been in the same circumstance to understand the victim’s position. We don’t want to cry and moan all the time, but it’s frustrating dealing with a blasé system that only cares for the criminal’s rehabilitation in addition to freeing up jail space because it costs too much money to incarcerate. The victim is left bankrupt, and in some cases homeless. The problem is exacerberated because now the victim, having lost everything, is forced to apply for help from social services.

Look at what happpened to the unfortunate employees of the federal government who were working without a paycheck and were forced to apply for government assistance. No one wants to be held hostage by a system that has little regard for its citizens.

My goal is to bring others together in order to share stories and lend support to each other. I know I’m not alone, but sometimes it sure does feel like it. I want to plug the hole in the system before it becomes a flood. Our democratic system is at its best when people notice a problem, gather together to raise awareness and affect positive change.

Maybe the Penal Code should add this disclaimer: Identity theft is a felony only if the district attorney says so.

I welcome your opinion.

Deborah

Life Is Precious….

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Isn’t it strange how your life can change overnight? I received some disheartening news yesterday.  My friend and I had an appointment to get our hair cut together today.  My friend called last night to tell me our appointment had been canceled.

Our hairdresser has a small shop in a small town. One of her employees went outside to get something across the street.  It was early evening, and she was wearing dark clothing.

Our hairdresser ran outside when she heard the brakes screech and a loud thud. Her longtime employee lay disheveled on the ground in front of the car that hit her.  She was gone.

I didn’t know the woman that well, but she was a bright, well spoken, happy person. Even though we weren’t friends, I’m sitting here with tears flowing from my eyes for a kind woman whose life was cut short. I don’t know the particulars, but it doesn’t matter. This kind woman has left family, friends, and acquaintances behind.

I only hope that somehow she knew that her life brightened the world of those around her. Things like this aren’t supposed to happen in a small town on a weekday evening.

Gen X and Y would use the above as an example to do everything today because you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

As a baby boomer, I don’t know what the future will bring. I don’t want to be a burden, so I try to plan for the future.

There’s no right or wrong between these two ideologies. Experience shapes behavior and thought patterns.

I think most of us do the best we can. One thing binds us all – we are all on this planet together.

I know this isn’t my normal blog post, but I had to share this event with someone. If you took the time to read this, thanks for “listening”.

Deborah

What  Is  Identity  Theft, Exactly?

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It’s confusing because just the name identity theft can be a misnomer.  For example, usually, when people think of theft they think of tangible property, such as a wallet, jewelry, etc.  You think of a burglary, robbery, stealing someone’s possessions.  Or a bank robber at gunpoint.

Is a name a possession?  Yes, it is, in one way – but a name is not something you can touch or hold onto.  It’s the use of that name that is attached to a bank account for property and is used to steal something real, such as your life savings.

Right off the bat. It’s confusing as to what identity theft actually is. It’s also open to interpretation by law enforcement.  Maybe the name of the crime should be changed to Identity Hijack or something like that. Because your identity really is hijacked. Your information is used by another person to whom you have not given permission, to steal your money, possessions online, etc.

That’s the other glitch – online is the new way of stealing. Cybercrime is something we still have to learn to deal with.  Our government for example still has no clear cybercrime law especially when it comes to the hijacking of our information by persons in other countries.  Most companies have not found a way to secure our personal information stored in their database.

Merriam Webster Definition of theft.
1: The act of stealing specifically: the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.

 2: An unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property.

Definition of Identity Theft is the illegal use of someone else’s personal information (such as a Social Security number) especially in order to obtain money or credit.

In addition, cybercrime/identity theft laws are not consistent throughout the United States.  Furthermore, district attorneys are not consistent within each state.

For example, a few years ago the Albany Times Union reported that a woman whose husband passed away was having a difficult time managing everything.  Her neighbor offered assistance.  These two women knew each other for a few years, and the widow considered the neighbor her friend.

The neighbor helped herself to the widow’s money.  The widow’s daughter found out about it and went to the police.  When the police brought the case to the district attorney, charges were filed against the neighbor and the court ordered restitution to the widow.

I live in a different county from the aforementioned widow.  A friend of mine stole my information, broke into my bank account online, and stole my life savings.  I knew the thief for 11 years and also considered him a friend.  When police brought him in for questioning, he told them that I gave him all my money because I was losing my vision and mentally incapable of handling my money.  My district attorney said it was” he said -she said” because I asked the thief to help me write out a check.  The thief was not questioned by my district attorney, and I lost my life savings.  The district attorney refused to listen to the bank or my attorney.

We are at the mercy of the district attorney’s whim.  My case was almost identical to the aforementioned case of the widow.  The only difference between the two cases is the fact that there were two different district attorneys.

What good is a law in the Penal Code if that law is not followed by law enforcement?  If a law is not consistent, it’s not a law. It’s just a statement.

I hope this blog entry clears up the questions that many have had.

Deborah

 

After the radio show:

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Hello Everyone!

I came through my first ever live interview on Lois T. Martin’s show, “I’ve Got Your Number” on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. I was nervous, but Lois and her cohost JoAnna Garfi  McNally brilliantly guided me through the interview.

Not only was it an amazing success, we even had enough time at the end of the show to answer a few questions. I am grateful, in that Lois and JoAnna gave me the time to talk about this very important topic, identity theft, on their amazing show

Due to the success of my segment, at some point in the near future, Lois has decided to use each Wednesday nights show as a platform to disseminate information on various hot topics to her listening audience. Upcoming shows will include, but not be limited to such topics as autism, healthcare and

money management.  Lois and JoAnna both felt there is a lack of information on many topics that are not generally discussed.  Each week, the guest host will answer questions from the audience as well.

I  would like to mention that the Monday shows are geared for all to join in to ask their questions to the utmost professional and intuitive empaths one would want to listen to.  

My heartfelt thanks to Lois and JoAnna for helping me to spread the word about identity theft. I know that upcoming speakers will enjoy the same success as I had, under the guidance and support of these two wonderful women who only want the best for everyone.

“Thank you” Lois for this amazing opportunity. I know that because of your show my mission of moving identity theft from civil to criminal court will succeed. I leave you with the last two words that Lois said to me: “have faith”

Happy  New  Year,

Deborah 

Listen  to  “I’ve  Got  Your  Number”  with  Lois  T.  Martin  and  JoAnna  Garfi  McNally  every  Monday  and  Wednesday, on  Blog  Talk  Radio (646)  716- 6237, 7pm  EST.  Also  online  at  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/loistmartin 

Note:  Each  show  is  archived.  If  you  miss  a  show, or  wish  to  listen  to  past  shows, go  to  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/loistmartin and there is a listing of previous episodes on the  page.  Enjoy!

Lois T. Martin on blogtalkradio.com

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Hello and thank you for the nice compliment.

I’m so excited and wish to share. My good friend,
Lois T.  Martin, has a  great show on blogtalkradio..com.  Check her out on www.blogtalkradio.com/loistmartin.
She has invited me to be on her show this January, 2, 2019 to talk about protecting yourself from identity theft.

Lois is a  numerologist and healer. She has many wonderful guests on her show, from astrologers to life coaches. You can go to the blog talk site and look at the archives on her show.

Lois is a  no nonsense, down to earth  person, who brings people together from all over the world. But she won’t hold your hand, instead  reminding people that they must do the work themselves. Lois and her co host with the mostest, JoAnna Garfi -McNally,  let people know that they are there to support you, but you have to do the work. No hand holding here.

When I  listen to questions, I  realize that I  am not the only one going through a  particular situation. Sometimes, you think  you’re the only person  having an issue. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who’s affected by a  situation.

I  am blessed to call these wonderful people my friends. They definitely don’t let me get away with anything, and let me know when I  don’t hold  up my end of the bargain.

Along with regular  listeners, we have formed a  strong group of like minded people who only want to be there for each other, from giving a  cheer when things are great, and support when things aren’t going the way we wish them to.

What a  wonderful group, and a  great  honor  to be able to bring identity theft to the forefront. Thank you Lois and JoAnna, for the wonderful work you do. I  am honored to be a  part of the solution. I  look forward to giving some positive information on the upcoming show, so that people can be empowered. I  hope to see readers of this blog there.

How it works:

  1. Call  1 (646) 716-6237 about  15  min before the show, which airs  at 
    7:00 pm  on Jan 2,  2019. 
  2. As soon as you hear “blog talk radio, your show is scheduled to start in…press  the number  “1” –  this puts you in the queue so you can ask a  question.
  3. You can listen  while you’re waiting. You’re on mute until they reach your  place on line.

Lois and JoAnna  air every  Mon/Wed  at  7:00 pm. I  hope  to  hear you there.

It’s  a  great  show, join us!

Have  a  wonderful  day,

Deborah   

 

 

Identity Theft and Affordable Housing

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This is something you didn’t think of – the effect of identity theft on seniors, and their ability to afford rent. I had another sleepless night, because it dawned on me that I’m smack dab in the middle of the baby boomer generation. ”My” generation has already started to affect the housing market – and no one prepared for it.  As a matter of fact, I bet some people became rich following the baby boomers from birth. You start investing in diapers, and end up investing in rental housing. Follow the trends, that’s what they say. It’s true.

Lucky in one way – I can move anywhere in the United States I want. The problem is, I realize you have to live in the city.  Close to shopping, transportation, medical services. Outlying areas do not provide the transportation necessary for seniors who don’t/can’t drive. City  living is more expensive. It’s insane out there.

I did manage to find one apartment, but was rejected after the background check showed the bank listing me as a bad credit risk. Well, the bank made a boo-boo because it never reported that I had paid off a loan three years ago. It still showed the loan outstanding.  After I finally straightened out the bank, and my credit history, I was knocked off the list. Now I have to start again, and the list is 15 years long.

Many of you are not in this predicament so you’re not facing this problem.  But let me tell you something, it IS your problem.

People like me who saved their money, became victimized by identity theft, are now broke. Affordable housing is the only option someone like me has.  Not all seniors can move in with their family. These days, families struggling to get by, living in a small apartment themselves, can’t take in relatives like they used to. Seniors are on their own. That’s just the way it is.

Affordable housing is through the state, once a person qualifies. The state providing the service raises taxes for all state residents to cover the subsidy. So those thieves out there stealing our money end up paying through higher taxes.

Like everything else, the need for affordable housing was put on the back burner. Well, the flame is up and the pot is bubbling over.

The average size apartment afforded to low income seniors is roughly 400 sq. ft.   If you have adaptive equipment such as a walker, a guide dog if your visually impaired, etc. you need a little bit more room than that. Most bathroom entryways aren’t wide enough to allow a walker into the room. The next time someone complains about baby boomers and their drain on society, think twice. This is affecting grandparents and parents, families, our entire economy.  Identity theft victims never wanted to be a drain on the system.  Stop pointing the finger at us.  Start pointing the finger at the thieves running around dressed in Bergdorf Goodman.

Tell them to bring all that stolen merchandise back to the store and get a refund. We (Identity Theft Victims) need our money back.

Happy holidays. Deborah

 

Guardianship Accountability Act

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Hello  Everyone,

I  received  an interesting phone call this morning.  A  representative  from the Council On Aging  responded  to my email regarding  the  Guardianship  Accountability  Act.

She was quiet  while listening to my story . I  explained that, as a  victim, I  couldn’t do anything as the DA refused to treat my case as criminal.  I  also told her that I  have a  civil judgement that does no good, as I  can’t get anyone to serve the Judgement on the thief.

She said she has heard my story from a  long list of victims. She wished there was something she could do. I  thanked her for the Council’s efforts in adding another Federal law, but if the local DA  wouldn’t prosecute, they are wasting their time.

She related  this wasn’t the first time she heard complaints about local District Attorneys.  Was there a  way they could work on legislation requiring a  DA to comply with Federal regulations on a  State level?

Otherwise, what’s the point?

I  felt bad for her. She sounded tired, frustrated, at a  loss.  Feel free to email the Council.  Someone needs to take responsibility for the thousands of us floundering in a  broken system.

Contact_Aging@aging.senate.gov 

Be Safe,

Deborah 

 

Deborah’s first blog

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Hello  everyone,

Well, I  don’t know if  anyone knows my blog yet, but if you do, “Hi There!” If you think someone may be interested, send them my way…

The holidays are here. We are rushing about, somewhat oblivious  to our surroundings, as we hurl ourselves into the cooking, shopping, decorating mode.

Now is the time to be more diligent than ever. Thieves are out there, waiting to pounce on the harried .

One thing to watch out for…your packages. The UPS  driver is being followed by a  thief, just waiting for the package to be dropped off at your door, in plain view of all.

What to do? Ask UPS  to leave a  delivery notice, and keep the package until you are home to receive it. Or, pick  it up at the post office. I  know it’s inconvenient, but it’s more inconvenient  to try and get your money back…

Feel free to share your insights on this blog. My intention is to bring people together and help each other.

Happy Holidays. With Love and Light,

Deborah

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