Blog: Fred’s Gripes

Fred’s Gripes

My name is Frederick R. Bedell Jr. and I have written opinions that have appeared in the Queens Courier as well as most local and regional newspapers for many years now. The name of my blog is “Fred’s Gripes.” I hope to touch on many topics and situations that affect many of us in Queens and tick some of us off, including myself.You may or may not agree with me but feel free to send your comments; I would really appreciate your input. So, until I hear from you, be well and be good to one another.

Praise for NYPD officer Nelson Vergara
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 7/02/2012 at 10:49AM

NYPD officer Nelson Vergara, who served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine, was attacked with a bottle and shot twice in the Bronx by punks. He responded with true guts and bravery and did battle and won though wounded. I have to agree with Mayor Mike Bloomberg that we need to get [...]

Supreme Court on ObamaCare
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 7/02/2012 at 10:47AM

The Supreme Court has ruled that ObamaCare is constitutional. This now makes the plan the final call, but is it the right call? As a nation we are in a sluggish ecomomy and millions of people are out of work. In my opinion if you force small businesses to insure all their employees they will [...]

President Obama on immigration
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 6/18/2012 at 11:07AM

President Barack Obama has just announced a new immigration policy that would give young people who are here illegally — by no fault of their own and have committed no crimes — a chance to stay in America. They will be able to study and to work here and would receive a green card and not [...]

Remembering my father
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 6/12/2012 at 6:14PM

June is the month we honor our fathers and memories of my dad bring much to my mind. My father’s name is Frederick and was 59 years old when I was born. As he got older there was a lot he couldn’t do because of his age, but in some ways he did a lot [...]

Kudos to Mayor Bloomberg
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 6/04/2012 at 11:16AM

Mayor Mike Bloomberg has shown again his concern for the health of New York City residents with his fight aganist obesity. Bloomberg’s agressive life saving public health initiatives, such as banning smoking in public places and calorie postings at chain restaurants, have improved life expectancy in New York City by nearly three years since 2000. [...]

Don Rickles and me
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 5/29/2012 at 10:27AM

I have recently dicovered that Donald Jay Rickles turned 86 on May 8. He is a really funny comic better know as Don Rickles and during his early years lived in Jackson Heights. This brought back memories and my one-time experience with Don Rickles on stage at the Resorts in Atlantic City. In the late [...]

Memorial Day 2012
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 5/25/2012 at 5:19PM

Memorial Day is May 28 and it is time to remember all those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. In my humble opinion I feel it is not just a day to have off, or sales in stores or having a barbecue with friends and family. It is much more [...]

Pedro Espada found guilty
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 5/17/2012 at 10:58AM

Pedro Espada , Bronx Democrat and former State Senate Majority leader was found guilty of stealing. Here is a man that when elected to office had an opportunity to help those in the most need and to serve the community he was elected to serve faithfully. He failed. He didn’t steal from the rich and give to the [...]

Is unemployment really going down?
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 5/07/2012 at 10:34AM

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly job report has announced the new figures on unemployment. Unemployment has officially dropped from 8.2% to 8.1%. Well I guess that looks good for the Obama administration who is thinking they doing a good job in regard to the economy. I think not. Let’s do a little reality check based on the [...]

My most unforgettable character
Fred's Gripes Frederick Bedell Jr. 4/27/2012 at 10:36AM

I have just lost a good friend, mentor, and a brother knight, who has just passed away . I owed a lot to William P. Fitzgerald of Little Neck [Queens] who has meant a lot to many diiferent people in many walks of life as well. Now I’m Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus [...]