GRACEFULLY

  To be graceful is to do something, say something, in an elegant, non-jarring manner. The words or actions used are to be softer in edging, shall we say, reducing abrasiveness and opening a larger portal for further discussion and usage. To be graceful is to be able to be tactful in a tense situation, able to open discussion without holding knives behind one's back. It is to be gentle in delivering unhappy or non-welcome news.  It is to be able to age in an acceptable manner for the public to accept and therein lies a major problem for so many of us going through the aging process and keep in mind, there is only one way out, quite permanent. 

Graceful means being able to control what comes out of one's mouth. However, aging is accompanied with somewhat cranky brakes, and often what is on the mind is out the mouth before the braking takes hold. Actually, I find it quite refreshing and love using the excuse of aging and well, what can you expect? Of course, I will speak my mind; what are you going to do - fire me? Already retired. So there.

Graceful means being able to deliver opinions somewhat abrasive in content or disapproving in manner without burning down the house. Now that can be difficult, particularly when the topic or target of criticism is a touchy one and representative of what is going on out there in that great big confused and confusing world of ours. 

On a personal note, full disclosure, I enjoy that perk of aging, being able to speak plainly, openly, cutting down on some of the overlay of politeness. My time is limited, my doorway marked exit approaching rather rapidly, the days flying by, so I have no time to waste, to pussyfoot around. Perhaps that is something we need to do more often given the political and social climate we have.

Apparently, we appear to have lost that gene of graceful listening, graceful speaking, elegant conversation and the beautiful effects and results of compromise, an outcome of graceful conversation. We presently would rather scream and shout, making outrageous statements, open lies and claims, using falsehoods as a tool for election, and upon being called out, we resort to silence. Not talking. Well, isn't that a great technique! No talk means things settle, gel, harden to a point where a chisel and severe swings of a hammer are necessary to reopen a conduit. No talking, silence or shouting drowning out words of wisdom and compromise, of grace, are inherently inimical to settling differences in a graceful, productive manner.

And here we are, finding ourselves in the midst of a jarring, atonal atmosphere lacking grace. We see - we shout, we demand, we threaten. The only thing we do not is ask to speak quietly to someone, to be allowed to gently voice an opinion, perhaps reach some compromise agreeable to mostly all. But we do not go there. That territory seems to have been labeled the badlands of the day. Oh so much better to trade barbs, pull out newly legalized guns we can sling around in imitation of those gunslingers of yesteryear, and sadly, even use them.

We see, we do not like, we force out. We see, we do not like, we censor, stripping away rights of individuals, censoring and limiting access to ideas, thoughts, art and literature. (Now as a former educator I find that anathema!) We see, we do not like, we simply invent new quasilegal tactics to erase what we do not like or entangle the opposition in years of litigation. And us, the people with the white hats - we see, we do not like, we shrug shoulders and join the crowd. We too stomp on civility, deafen our ears and blind our eyes, all in the name of justice and right. All in the name of rescuing our country from those who would destroy it, in so many ways.

Here is what we are fighting against - fighting for - and perhaps it will be understood, clear, why we aging folks have so little patience anymore. We see our country being denied, twisted, perverted, as supposed leaders openly threaten to take away what is America, what is supposed to always be America. It is to deny that which made America great, not the ridiculous slogans of MAGA or "The Great American Comeback" of fascist DeSantis, who " promises to "destroy leftism in America, and "leave woke ideology" in the "dustbin of "history"

 or the further rantings of the demented way past his sell by date Trump.

" ... on day one, my new term in office, I will sign an executive order making clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law, going forward, the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic U.S. citizenship,” Trump said 

“It’s things like this that bring millions of people to our country,” he added.

EXACTLY!

And here are the words of the Constitution re these thoughts.

Section 1 of the 14th Amendment states:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

 The problem is, though, that these people are enemies of the Constitution; thus, we begin from behind, as we treasure law of the right kind, laws of justice, of thankfulness that our ancestors were allowed in to this great country of ours - legally and illegally, folks. Them's the facts! 

That is the Constitution.

That is our true battleground, the one which takes place within the soul of this troubled nation of ours. 

The battle which will determine the future - or lack thereof - for our kids, for the world.

There is only one way to combat this destruction of our nation, of the campaign to deny rights - not only of "the others" but of us - you, me, everyone. Do not try to underestimate the magnitude of the problem. Do not see yourself escaping the consequences of these plans to dismantle America. Just as together is the only way to combat these plans, these fascistic ambitions, together is the way we will all suffer, be affected by the new Amerika, a flavor of the week we definitely will not like. No one escapes hate. No one escapes injustice. Not when it is the immoral but legal laws of the land.

Together is the only way to prevent this from happening. Time is running out. Graceful is a concept growing dimmer by the second. There is no graceful left under repression.

Together we can resist and combat these plans and save our country. 

 Save ourselves. Save our loved ones.

All this can be ours if, and only if we work together. The synergy of togetherness is of great value. Togetherness means recognition of a common core of humanity, all deserving of equal rights, treatment and expectation. To be safe. A better world for all. 

Together. Together. Together.

Only together.

Together.

Together - Together we can achieve it all. 

Together we can

HEAL THE WORLD.

HEAL YITZY!

Yitzchak Elimelech ben Chana Sarah

May he be granted refuah shelaymah bimheyrah beyameinu. 

May he be granted a timely and complete healing.

May Hashem hear all our voices raised in prayer. 

Amen. Amen.