WHAT IS

 To finish the title, one has to know exactly 'what is'. Is there in fact anything today about which we can say that phrase with complete confidence and assurance? Yes, someone loves you, or you love or hate your job and so on. However, we are referring to larger issues, of import on larger scales and arenas. 

Ironically, these larger issues are more sidestepped than stepped on, all the better to ignore the pain, the danger, the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness they engender. Therefore, the little guys and gals, us, turn their heads and attention to those issues they can change. Strategy, yes, but good or bad? Truly, one cannot judge, only observe and try to fathom the consequences for all of us on earth. Yes, all, for today the artificial divisions mankind has imposed on the globe are actually not too relevant when it comes to a shared fate as to a sustainable   livable, enjoyable life.

Simply note the fashions which go global. The political winds which blow into every nation on   earth. The interwoven threads of the economy, so complex to the point where warring nations are actually doing business with each other, often   to do materiel for weapon makings. Much as one wishes we could live in hermetically sealed isolation from the issues of others, that is a pipe dream. 

Nor should we wish it were so for the richness of life is contained within the mixing of cultures and knowledge, of arts and sciences, of research and social issues. These days we are forgetting that and pushing more, harder, for increasingly limited contact with the 'other'. Much to our detriment as we then simply add to the differences separating us, for without knowledge we will never rid ourselves of the 'other' approach, emphasize our differences instead of our similarities and build major roadblocks to true progress rather than find shortcuts to a better life for all. 

A simple clarification - immigration and 'illegals'. If life were better in other countries, stronger, vibrant economies, a political system of democracy and humanity, a place of education and hope -no one would risk it all to come here - legal or not! Think of it, think of why and how YOU are here in America today. Think. and understand. 

Unfortunately, in the strained and stressed world of today we are on a losing path. We turn to old hatreds, false prophets, words of incineration rather than fulfillment, of retroactive personalities and policies rather than those who keep the dream alive, that pipe dream of the millennia. The one which believes in the ability of humanity to be and strive for the best, always to go in that direction. 

Unfortunately, we are living in a time when news briefs, op-ed essays, opinion writings are ever chilling of the soul. One yesterday sent a riff of eerie chills through me, almost paralytic. It was an expression or presentation of my inner core beliefs.  The title: "America Isn't Nazi Germany, but It Looks a Little Like 1933".  I disagree with 'little', feeling we are further along on that perilous road. One candidate, a lecher, a criminal, a fraud, a bigot, a veritable traitor makes increasingly pejorative remarks re Jews, the other candidate feels entitled to force existential threats upon Israel, and there are increasing acts of violence against Jews, universities rife with antisemitism, sheer JewHatred, encouraged by the increasingly hostile view of any public appearance by any Jew in any field. Period. Not to forget the growing authoritarian governments of the nations of the world and the push for it here, in America. 

The people who enabled all this were not born evil misshapen people, but rather ordinary people who went along, got along, and lived a pleasant life for many years. They read the "vomit spewing" out of the mouth and writings of Hitler -as is happening here, with authors of different names but same garbage. The same broken twisted souls.    

And here we are. People once friendly now drooling fanged haters. Demonization of Jews and the sane old tropes revived.   

No, we are more than a little of Germany 1933. The question is -where do we go now.  

What is -Find an answer, please.  _________________________________________ Yitzy, sweet boy, golden boy, can you find us an answer? But never mind, for this is an adult mess and adults must find the way out.  

Meanwhile, you rest, sleep, play, read and learn. 

Miss you, my grandson, ever and ever more.

Always and forever. Always and forever.  T