Petra, here. Well, this is it. My Internet Writing Debut!

Let me begin by disclosing a bit of personal history. Bio

IMPORTANTLY: There are several annotations contained within both, this page, as well as other articles found in this section. Please note that when you see a word or phrase surrounded by ["BRACKETS"] and quotes, you need to mouse over that word or phrase to bring up the annotation. ["Mouse over here to demonstrate"].

Up front, I will say that this is not to be construed as a series of rant sheets. You will not find articles of a slanderous nature. There will be no intentional bashing, or otherwise degrading, of any specific person. There will be no dishonesty, and no BS - 'just the facts' - and my interpretation thereof! Although, I will admit to the occasional general 'finger-pointing' - my facts will always be well-researched.

Not one to bite off more than I can chew, you will not find any discussions on the 'Biggies' like Homosexuality, Race, Religion, Sex - whew! If the human race has continued to botch this puppies after thousands of years, I'm not touchin' 'em!

Most articles published in "Gettin' Graphic" could probably be deemed moderately controversial. These articles are penned [keyed] with a particular type of reader and audience in mind. That type being someone with a level head, an open mind and fairly tight ethics, either business ethics, or, life ethics - preferrably both, and a keen sense of self and society. It will be to the reader's advantage to be a devout realist as well. A touch of skepticism can't hurt.

Copy will touch on a variety of subjects from a variety of perspectives. We all wear many hats and it can do no justice to anyone to use tunnel-vision when writing on any subject, about which, there may be many conflicting opinions. The plan is to take topic-ideas from our everyday life - things that most persons can relate to in their own life space - in order to appeal to the broader audience.

My Initial Article is regulated to graphic design only, as will be the case from time to time. You may read Apples and Apples - In Defense of the Obvious by clicking its link, either here or in the box over to the left side of this page.

Topics slated for the near future, in no certain order, include:

• Customer Service - Where Did It Go?
• Tele-Marketers - How do They Sleep at Night?
• Insurance - Where Can I Get a Policy that will Cover Me Against Insurance Companies?
• Your Long Distance Carrier - Where Would One Purchase Some Homing Pigeons?
• Plastic and its People - How did this Happen?
• Deadbeat Fathers & Child Support: Just ONE of the Legal System's Practical Jokes?
• A Resolution to the Nuclear Waste Disposal Situation?

You probably noticed that the above list is geared mainly toward consumerism. We are a world of consumers. This is what we do - Every. Single. Day. Of. Our. Lives! Therefore, important subjects, indeed!

Personally, I am highly critical of the lack of panache with which consumers of the Lower and Middle classes are wooed! In many cases, NO class of people, or person, should be approached with the attitude used by some companies!

Speaking of critics, one of my greatest Heroes has spent his life critiquing things that most of us just shake our heads about. Not because we agree with it, but, because we are not quite certain what avenue to take to incur change.

Ralph Nader, advocate for the consumer and citizen, is someone who has my respect and admiration. Some of you may have forgotten about him by now; some of you may have never heard of him at all. Having never met the man, his articles and his research have never failed to make me feel proud to have him in my corner, because of the work he is pursuing.

Especially, in light of the fact that his parents are not from my home country, but rather, are immigrants to America from Lebanon! This fact serves only to increase the nobility of the purposeful life to which, Mr. Nader, has shown dedication! Imagine, caring so deeply about the issues facing persons of a country that is not one's heritage, only for the sake of attempting to assure that good and fair things are available to all and that poor treatment of the consumer is brought to light!

And just what does this have to do with the price of bananas?

Controversy may often be a stepping-stone which leads to the truth and/or resolution that can make a difference. Not the quick-and-dirty type of controversy used in politics; nor that of the finger-pointing-to-CYA variety. Not the lay-one-in-the-weeds kind that we get when an agenda is stacked against us, or, controversy for the sake of gaining influence, recognition or favor. But the good old, "let's drag it out into the light and have a little look-see" type of controversy.

Oh yeah, the "Nader-esque" type of controversy. For the sake of fairness, justice; exposing the right or wrong of it all - from the heart. And for setting the record straight. How can rational, heart-felt concern for a thing - be it; an issue, law, ethics, environment, rights, jobs; whatever can cause concern - how can this be wrong? Yet, controversy is avoided like the plague by the many.

Petra's Definition #1

• CONTROVERSY - (a) that subject, regardless of content, from which countless individuals may distance themselves, or, feign disinterest, for one or more of the following reasons:
  • 1) it does not affect them (see: apathetic).
  • 2) it hits the nail right on the head and any demonstration of interest may possibly indicate some degree of guilt (see: guilty).
  • 3) too deep behind ["The Wool"] to have the time, energy, or sanity to be involved even if they had the sure-fire solution!

Any writings in this section are considered commentary only. Meaning that they are not open to debate on the subject they represent, unless an offer to debate is extended to the reader. Because debating the issue is exactly what I am doing... presenting views on the issue!

If you have comments or feedback regarding any given article, please submit them in the Lounge. Intelligent input; either Pro or Con, is welcome. However, the tolerance threshold for offensive or threatening comments and e-mail is set at zero. These types of comments and e-mail messages will be dealt with swiftly and harshly.

Meanwhile, if you have an interest in this type of commentary, you are invited to - enjoy!