A WORLD OF TARPS

  Tarps certainly have many uses in this world. It can be laid over a leaky roof. They can protect floors during a time of construction or home improvement. They can protect inside the house or even outside the house furniture. Simply cover them up to protect them from the hostile elements. Tarps can even protect cars from brutal sun and harsh salty air.  

 Tarps have many uses. Some are literal while others are figurative. Or even both purposes at the same time. Tarps obviously can hide the physical. What is going on behind that construction fence? Why are there no viewing holes cut on them? The lack of knowledge, to understand the reality of something piques the at first harmless curiosity. However, if no information is forthcoming, that little itch becomes the forerunner of a massive one, unable to be satisfied or cured. 

In these days too often, the bland unknown becomes a footpath into conspiracy theories and more. Until it becomes a nagging itch, ever larger and possibly generates all sorts of conspiracy plots. As ridiculous as they seem at first, these whispered thoughts gather an energy of their own and well, there we are, here we are, in the toxic atmosphere of life today.

When physical tarps are combined with mental and emotional attachments, with political purpose underlying, it is then that there is not enough calamine lotion in the world to stop the itch. It grows on what came before it. It swallows the very air around it. It leaves the observer wanting and needful of a sensible and true explanation. The more there is no response to this need, the worse it gets, particularly if there is a basis for the unease and mistrust. The entire matter takes on a life of its own. The body politic, denied the response, grows ever more suspicious and uneasy, prey for "deep" plots. The emerging possibilities grow ever more      frightening. That is when emotions begin to call the shots, and even an attempt to give answers of truth fall by the wayside. Too little too late.

One prominent example right now is the sight of hanging tarps, long and ugly, hanging down from roof to ground at the Kennedy Center. The very same center of culture demeaned by the man who dared to place his name upon its walls. No asking, no prior notice, only the dastardly deed. Actually, a violation of laws pertaining to the Center. Hijacked by a man who would not recognize truth if it rose up and slapped him in the face. Who insists on putting his name wherever and whenever the desire arises. Even to the point of destruction of much of the heritage buildings and places of the nation and/or building ones, relevant only to his self-aggrandizement and his overblown ego.

So, the question remains. What is going on behind those tarps? When they are pulled down will we see his name etched all over? Broken walls? A building torn down just as the East Wing of the White House was torn down? Will we see a giant Trump?             Possibly see a huge advertisement, expanding his sales of Trumpian merchandise, the Oval Office deemed insufficient for his purposes, for his greed?  

Worse possibility?  Even a level of probability when one takes into account the insane mind, deluded and twisted, at the helm. He has already changed much in this nation. He has laid tarps all around. He has hidden the machinations and corruption so rampant within his administration, planting weeds of ugliness all around. Strange rules and guidelines have sapped the health and energy of this nation.  The harm laid upon the population within, cuts deep into the populace. Children dying from disease long ago conquered. The armed forces laid low by epidemics of diseases that have vaccines, though now discarded by the purported Health administrators of our land.  

So much of our foundation consigned to the trash pile. All that over the years of our existence, 250 years, we have improved, moved forward, taking steps in the right direction when we mis-stepped. No longer. Civil service tests - gone. No bid contracts in place. particularly if you donate to Trump.  Just be a good old boy, and wealthy. Ever willing, perhaps even eager, to sell one's soul to the devil as manifested on this earth.    

Accept as logical and legal the instructions given to the Heads of the various departments of the government of this nation. To destroy itself. To slash through the workers. To literally disembowel itself and take all improvements to that fate.    Education. Health. Armed Services as well, as discrimination in all segments of this nation grow, as the nation's false leaders reach back to ugly past deeds and thoughts. With people not realizing that prejudice against one is prejudice against all.  

I think most awful is the accursed return of the sight of "law enforcers” chasing people. Why? These people are trying to improve their lives. Just as our ancestors - even ourselves - have done. Shared the same dreams and hopes. They take jobs that nobody wants. They build small businesses, educate their children, and add vitality to the nation's ethos and culture, the fresh blood necessary for a nation to move forward, to grow in positive manner. Are there those among these newcomers who are of criminal mind? Of course - just as there are among native born. Go after them but do not consign all into the same trash pile,  

Why are we mimicking the French gendarmes. With great enthusiasm and energy, they invaded homes of those deemed unworthy of life. Once neighbors and friends, their doctors and coworkers, the owner of a small store. All were beaten, from infant to elderly, by the ancestors of Hamas and Hezbollah who look upon all Jews as their enemies, worthy only of slaughter.

Why have we turned so backwards, so dismissive of true and worthy goals for all of us? Why have we consistently turned to false leaders who perpetuate harm on those they rule? When we have fools, leaders, bad leaders, when we allow ourselves to follow in their footsteps, there is no good awaiting us.

We must remove the tarps from our physical and emotional thoughts. We must see through to the truth. Whether we like it or not.

So it was yesterday. 

So it seems to be today.

As for tomorrow, we certainly have a lot of work ahead of us.  

SO SO SORRY

  I have not been feeling well, not up to myself and therefore have not written anything for the blog. Suffice it to say, though, that there is much that was worthy of comment. However, feeling somewhat better, I will write a small one, not complicated, and hopefully will feel better for Sunday's posting. 

It is ever more frightening to read the news sources and see that nothing has changed other than for the worse. Even possibly to the worst. For example, Lord knows I am not a Trump fan. Lord knows and everyone knows who knows me and reads my blog knows that I have been warning about this. Warned about that which we are now facing from him and his administration. It is a rather regretful, right to say I told you so. I wish it were not so. I wish I were wrong. But I was not. And I am not. 

However, I now find myself in the rather peculiar situation, hoping that Trump remains in office at present rather than being defeated by his oh so visible defects. Because what would come after him is far worse, and that would be Vance. That would be those of his rather extreme Christian viewpoints which include rather obvious tenets of downplaying the Jewish People. From their importance to this world and the connection to this world and to everything that is within it. This is not shy at all in expression, but rather outspoken. 

This criticism of Israel along with its ugly sibling of deep toxic antisemitism is more and more visible. The real walls and pools of JewHatred are more and more evident, from the Right as well as from the Left.   Hoping that Trump will not sink deeper into his long dark night, will not cause further troubles, I will, at least for now, say Slaint! To you Donald. At least for the next two years. 

Furthermore, it is rather heartbreaking to see that the world has returned with great vim and vigor to the ugliness of the actual blame placed upon Israel. Upon the Jewish people, wherever they are, wherever they live. Voluntary or not. When they respond in turn to existential threats, as is the right of any nation, Israel is then accused of being the cause of broken ceasefires. As if there ever was a cease fire that worked. What we have had, lo these many decades, these many millennia is a constant state of war. Sometimes known as ceasefire wars. Never has there ever been a time of peace of long and true reliability.   

It is the open hypocrisy of the denial of the right of defense and to prevention of further threats to its existence, what Israel must do. It is now claimed that if we returned land to those who attacked us from that land, who staged armed forces at the ready to invade our land, that there will be peace.   Really?! So why then, was the war in the first place? Why is there still this crazed desire to deny Israel a place in the world. Why is there this constant legitimized by the world claim that is obviously false yet presented as Gospel Truth? 

When Jews were forced out of those lands in which they were living they were welcomed within Israel, a country newly founded, already overwhelmed with the huge numbers of refugees from the horrors of the Holocaust. They did not become standing refugees of the world for all eternity, as the UN has enabled those false Palestinian refugees.  

The plight of these refugees was ignored by the world. Just as they ignored the constant attacks upon us. Just as they ignored the mounting numbers of Israeli citizens killed by terrorists. Day after day we are getting multiple reports of fatalities and terrible wounds, men and women alike who risk their lives every day on the ground and the air. As the army of Israel, composed of civilians pulled out again and again to fight for the survival of their homeland, their families. How difficult it is for those they leave behind, those waiting on tenterhooks to know. Will he or she return to me? In what condition? Why does the world ignore this?  

Why, in fact, is the world forever in a daze        as to the truth of the matter? It makes no difference whether land is "returned” or not. It makes no never mind that the world ignored the violation of the supposed international rules governing cities such as Hebron, Jerusalem, the ancient shrines of the Jewish people denied to them.  No, it only matters now when Israel has control and they are open to all.  Now the world clamors for its return to that which was wrong in the first place.    

Israel is in a constant state of battle for survival. But the world refuses to acknowledge this. It tramples unseen, or perhaps on purpose more likely, with the truth of this situation which Israel must face simply to ensure its own survival. As they fight to remain in their country, their homeland from time immemorial. Every response they make is deemed as critical, as a breach of some imaginary truce. Right now, and forever, we have an ongoing ceasefire war, ongoing ever since the beginning of modern Aliyah.  

But these facts are never acknowledged by the world at large. It is always Israel who is deemed as breaking of a truce as they respond to a terrible attack upon themselves. Their critics dare to ask why Israel has the right to fight back? Or engage in preventative defense and offense, as is the right of any country upon this earth? Is it that Jewish blood is still deemed as cheap, not worthy of any care or consequence? Is that what it is? Well then, screw you, world. The Jewish blood is not cheap. It is never to be cheap. Never again. And we will do what we must to ensure our survival; not only our survival, but our progress, our being a productive nation, contributing to the world in every field that one can think of, way above our fighting weight.

So, readers of mine, sorry for the lack of posting. But as you can see, I have not lost contact with the world at large. Unfortunately, I see nothing better emerging. In fact, I see only worse. And for the world, for those of you who think that this means that there is a possibility of defeat of Israel and the Jewish people, think again. And for those of you Jews who are traitors to yourself, your family, to your heritage and your ancestors, screw you too. If we have enemies who wish to consign us to the Gates of Hell, why not show them the way, with you at the head of the line? 

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Will it ever change?

WELL, D.A.M.N. I.T.

  And yet again! Another damned time when I can rightfully say that awful "I told you so", but that is not what I wanted. I truly hoped, against all odds that I was wrong in this case, that the tiger would not show his stripes, that the show as pretended to be would go on as so many deluded thought it would.

It Did Not. 

Much to my sorrow, regret and pain. The same emotions felt by so many others. But disappointment per se - nope, never there for how can one be disappointed when the expected takes place? Although certainly there was a great deal of disappointment and disgust and yes, even fear, when the expected took place and the world continued on in its merry road of delusion and a growing incipient peril which we are ignoring. It is a case of a variation of the Emperor's New Clothes - never were, never will be, and never will all those in the viewing audience see through to the truth.

Truth One: Trump, the man with the finger on the button, the man who is ruling, yes, ruling, by dictat, is clearly deteriorated to a dangerous point.

Truth Two: His deterioration has gone way above and beyond any and all other Presidents in our history. The picture has been clearly evident for months, if not years. Now he is practically sleepwalking, cannot keep his eyes open any more than can a newborn baby, and his thinking, well. what thinking? 

Truth Three: His behavior and remarks are more erratic than ever and world leaders, along with the little people of this world, you and me, are beyond worry, well into fear as to what this shell of a man might initiate.

Truth Four: As I predicted, warned. shouted, - the man has sold Israel down the river, no manumission papers, merely more chains to shackle the State of Israel to heavy impediments to their survival. To their right to defend themselves and do as any other nation would do if it were facing a grossly apparent and clearly and often voiced sentiment, for its enemies to see it all the way through to the final destruction of Israel.  

 Truth Five: This man is an embarrassment to this nation, a dangerous clown who wields power with high harmful potential. He has already done so with his crude maniacal campaign to brand all in DC and America, for that matter, to take on his name as he rides rampant over any and all that touches upon true and classic and classy matters, proper ways in which to celebrate this nation's birthday. 

Most glaringly 'ny kulturny' ( a disgrace of no redeemable value) is his rather crude pandering to the masses in the event with a fighting ring set up on the South Lawn, where two half naked men would pound away at each other accompanied by maniacal cheers of mainly beer guzzling men, dregs of the extreme MAGA universe that remains, all accompanied by a list of shame of those who contributed to its funding, all the better to gain access to Trump and his Trumpian, corrupt kingdom. Ever so handy to use this event to shout epithets and hostile sentiments. Just another Donald Trump day. 

I, along with many others, hang our heads in shame at this public embarrassment to our nation. It turns one's face as green as the Reflecting Pool has turned once again, despite all the money Trump has thrown at it, in his rather mad campaign to defame any and all monuments to this nation and its past, and yes, even to some of its errors. This is how we learn from history and improve ourselves rather than give way to jingoism and worse. 

We have so much of which to be proud, to lay out before the eyes of the world. To boast of our accomplishments, our historical importance and our contributions to the advancement of the population of the world. To be brave, and bold, and honest as we reflect upon our history, to acknowledge and be proud of our greatest steps forward and think carefully and productively of our errors along the way.

Truth Six: We all should have lost the contents of our stomachs at the sight of Trump bowing before Khomeini. We should be red in the face at the desertion of the rebels, those courageous college students of Iran, despite and after Trump basically promised he, we, would be there with them. 

We were not.

Truth Seven: Israel is next. Even as Trump and his evil cohorts seek to ban the universal right to vote freely within the structure of this nation, as he tramples upon the critical right to mail in ballots - I do - we stand here as lambs ready for the slaughter. We, the people of America, the people and leaders of the world, have fallen prey to the machinations and the bullying, the false promises of a deluded demented person who mistakenly believes he is a god figure. And there goes Israel.

This is upon us. I do not even know how, if ever, we can truly regain our footing. I believe the roadway has been challenged for an eternity, and it will take long and powerful and sustained efforts to right this planet, to steady it on its proper axis, and move once again in proper orbit.

It is depressing to think, to see how quickly, how far back we have gone in this mad decade. The world went astray. A world which looked to the worst of the yesterdays as it lived in the todays and planned for the tomorrows. We need to learn from our errors of yesterday. Repair the gaps within the fabric of our nation as we settle into our todays. Most important, we must be better, do better, make it better for all the tomorrows to come.

Once again. I am not optimistic at all. I think we have much of the harmful awaiting us before we can get back to where we should have been lo these many a year. 

A MOST PERFECT FIT!

 In fact, one could not get a more perfect fit. Every crooked line, every twisted statement, being matched exactly by the slanted and twisted and perverted manner of international politics along with local politics as well. Life imitating art or the other way around? Does the order carry any significance, any effect upon our reality? I think not. The blemishes and defects all lead and contribute to similar endings. 

For sure, most of us, if not all of us, have been reading for months and years of the growing corruption and ugliness in the politics of the world. A day by day ever increasing bloodletting of the blood of democracy, along with constitutional monarchies which "ran out" of their constitutionality. Even in the most democratic of all nations there were shenanigans of massive proportions of ugliness and destruction of the integrity of the body politic. Certainly, in my two countries, the United States and Israel it is so. Worst of all is how the ugliness swamps the remaining goodness within, as the vocal minority outspeak and outshout and threaten the majority of fine folk who live within those two nations and in fact, round the world.

Well, now see what their shenanigans have led to. No more buddy - buddy. No false and more misleading statements of walking together. With hands of friendship between the two nations. Nope. And for sure anyone who believed in that claimed "Partnership”, well see what we have gotten in return. Fooled you once. Fooled you twice. Fooled you so many times that I have lost count. Ever since Trump came on the political radar screen, Netanyahu barely took a foot out of it. 

Their synergy, rather than taking whatever positive aspects of these two and combining them for something good, we had instead a synergy of Evil, of carelessness, of egotism and toxic narcissism. A sheer openness of choosing self over country. Of choosing self over the individuals that made up the population of these countries. However, I must say.   I believe that nothing that Trump has done or said arose from anything other than from seeds and motivations of selfishness. At least even in these delusions of grandeur, Netanyahu did have at least a modicum of concern remaining for his nation, continuing to channel at least some of the legacy of his family. but not enough, not nearly enough. 

As I have stated, warned, screamed so many times over the most recent years, actually a decade, both of these men, all of their adherents, their cowardly sniveling position craving cowardly enablers, had nothing of any worth, of any true quality to contribute to their nations. No notes of lasting    goodness and progress for the people of their nations and the people of the world.

But it is not only these two, and their cohorts. If I were a betting person. I would go on one of those online prediction markets and bet the entire store on the fact that there is not a nation within this world that is functioning with all feet on the ground. Greed, selfishness, a lust for Power and Wealth, and a road ahead seemingly clear of obstacles in the mad lust for these things, even and especially in the Western nations. 

Once people looked to them as role models for nations functioning in democracy.  Where people in leadership positions, for the most part, had the nation's welfare at heart. Who at least cared for and about their nations rather than only about themselves and how to use the nation's politics and worries and ever slackening morals to benefit themselves. And their families. Far too many nations now claiming to be democracies even as they forbid elections and see to the arrangement for their children to be named as inheritors of the nation.      

Yesterday I went to see Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg's latest movie. A fine addition to the world of thoughtful cinema. It was neither a sequel   to Close Encounters nor action movie alone. It was an excellent mix of all factors and a Go See It recommendation, standing out even more so in a recent time of poor, silly, meaninglessly violent, or hate mongering movies. It is its own self. Yes, there are some aliens in there, but they are almost negligible, serving their purpose well. But no monsters here. Certainly not any other than ourselves. Even as perhaps we can see that monsters can develop even as they claim to be following the righteous path of goodness, for justice, for security. For the positive and necessary for humanity.

The question is raised. Where and when do we reach a point of no return, a point of diminishing value and truth? Will we recognize that line or will we be blinded by something that has outgrown in   negative manner its original motivation? That we had become so invested within that we could not see the wrong turns made and the way to dial back? Or worse, did we know it, but refused to correct? 

Is it in fact permissible and moral to do bad, to do terrible, bad things in the name of a claimed good? Is there no border? A red line which must not be crossed? Do we sacrifice all that makes us human amid the claim that we are safeguarding humanity? But how? As animals? Claiming, wanting, to keep alpha position and doing so in brutal manner. Do we lose our humanity trying to enforce the thought that we are indeed alone in this universe. Other than with those who live Above, the Lord and His Angels, and whomever else has taken residence up there.  

Are we so afraid for ourselves? So much so that we sell our friends and allies down the river. A Creek without a paddle. Wandering among weeds, which threaten their very stability? Are we seeking to trip them up? Keep them down? And eat them up? Are we so much of ourselves that we could possibly be thick enough, foolish enough to believe that within this vast universe creation of the Eternal One there would be no other creatures, no other living beings that have our level of intelligence. (Probably much more) and then, deem them as inferior, even as we hold them in brutal captivity, to dig out, literally and figuratively, all the knowledge they have?    

The question here is what is upon the leaders of the nation, in accordance with legal and moral strictures, its policies and actions, to do in such circumstances? What does it entail? Are there decisions and actions beneath which we can draw a line? Understand that beyond is where the true monsters live - and then find out the monsters are our reflections? Can the government operate in secret, claiming to keeping possibly harmful, hurtful things away from them? Yes, at times it is correct, but in others we leave aside our humanity.   There is certainly a limit and crossing the divide is where we must not go, no matter how we think we can justify it. 

It is also a dismissal of the intellect of the populace.  Thinking they could not bear up under possibly frightening news. Yes, for sure there will be some outrageous reactions. After that, simply look to the world today. People going crazy because some team won the championship? What does it do for them? Does it get rid of hate, of the homeless problem, the hunger?   Finally fund the food pantries? Nope, nothing. But we do know that the reactions can be properly managed and the immediacy does die down, to a point where humans can become sane and reasonable again. That has always been the hope. Even if at times it is overlong in arrival.

So yes. The arrogance of thinking that we are just below God.  Right in how we exercise intellectual, moral and physical powers. Our abilities to unlock the mysteries of the world. Use them for benefit. And whose benefit would that be? Are there limitations upon the cost in so many ways? In the movie we find that in the name of good, the government and the civilian counterparts have done something massively drastically immoral.  Certainly. in any righteous world, it would be illegal. To hold living beings in captivity for almost a century. To torment them. Thinking at one and the same time conflicting thoughts. That these beings held in captivity know technology. That it is upon us to dig it out of them, literally and figuratively. Accepting their superiority and at the same time we deem them less than a human. Even as their appearance is not so different. Eyes and ears and nose and mouth and arms and body and soul. Able to fear pain and a terrible unknown ahead.

In a tossed off sentence of dialogue, we find that empathy, feeling with others is one of the highest, if not the highest level. To attain, to reach and internalize that realization, declutter it from falsehoods and excuses, all that would seemingly excuse the outrage of awful excess they have perpetrated on others, others of their own kind, let alone aliens - that has been the conflict within this movie, all caught up in a story of humanity - or not. Positive in the midst of horror as we see and understand that humanity, as it should be, is an achievable goal, that we can change, can improve.

In the closing minutes we see a nation which knows deep within its guts, with every brain cell possessed that something is going on, something is so terribly wrong in the nation. And suddenly the impetus to clean out grocery stores. To fill up their cars. Do what they can - but for what, exactly? Something is rotten in this version of Denmark. Then the ultimate clash between two groups, two schools of thought. One abhors what has been done, ashamed of their own complicity. and they attempt to right the wrongs done. To rectify the matter, taking terrible risks and challenges to their own survival. 

On the other are those persisting in their delusions that they are indeed protecting the people, those who cannot deal with what is upon us. The parent unchallenged. But the populace of this nation, though often shocking and disappointing, are not children. When given opportunity to come to their senses most often they do. Hope. The saving grace of humanity.  They can see through the obfuscation of lies and gross errors. They can react properly.

They did so in the last moments as the truth was revealed. No riots. No screams other than from that team so invested in their own thoughts and needs, crippled by it and unwilling, perhaps unable to take the corrective steps and correct their pathways.       

People watch. Their faces show their emotions.  Then a major female character steps up to the podium to talk to the nation, to the world for that matter. And what we hear, spoiler alert. Is one word.

 Listen.

In all our yesterdays and all todays. Hopefully in tomorrows to come. We, the people of the world, will indeed listen. We will listen to the internal mores and morals. We will listen to the better side of ourselves. We will listen with hearts and souls and minds and bodies. No manner of escape for what we should have done, should be doing and hopefully will be doing in a more perfect future. A tomorrow of Golden Hue.

WHEN IS IT LATE? TOO LATE. AND WHEN IS IT JUST A PAUSE ..

  ... A brief moment in time? Is that moment in time voluntary or involuntary? Scheduled or not? Does it really make a difference? In fact, perhaps we should value those pauses and become more skilled in their use and benefits, certainly more so than at present. It is good at times to stop the world and get off even if just for a bit. Usually, after such a break we find our tempers cooled, our thoughts more cogent and the end result often exceeding expectations. Even if that is not the result, in any case that momentary pause keeps the door or window open, allowing us to return to the issue in a positive state of mind. 

Too many of us learn that fact too late in life. Does not even have to be too much later. It could even be the same day. But in that looking back, that Monday quarterbacking, we can see where we went wrong. Or at least a hint to it. We fiddle around in our mind as to what exactly had happened. How the next time a similar issue arises we know how to remediate. How to better mediate, discuss and solve or approach resolution, views no more hindered by befogged and filthy windows. 

Unfortunately, however, in the heat of the moment, the words slip out. The emotions become the overlay over all else. Even as one makes that oral error it is too late. What is spoken can never really be truly taken back. Certainly not the sting of those words. The sting remains. For a long time and the older one gets the more there is to look back on and understand. And regret. There then emerges a deep desire to kick one's own rear for the errors of the past. Often times these errors reemerge at most inopportune moments and the instinct to kick is right back at ya! 

Today I have decided to take a pause. I'm so exhausted from that multiple days' flights and active life in between, even when so very joyful.  The pause will be greatly appreciated. Perhaps I can even use it to realign some thoughts, needs and desires. Create a better balance and an acceptance that this body of mine is not a traitor in trying to teach me that my body cannot do as it did years ago - even three years ago. Such is life and if we do not take the pauses necessary it will backfire on us. So pause it is at times.

But in the yesterdays, todays and hopefully into the tomorrows, the blog will be generally consistent in posting -as you will be reading and thinking about it. It is telling me the truth. Slow down. Ration demands and the energies. Be able to do almost as much. Necessary enough. But no more than that.

Pause time for all - even the crazed and dangerous false leaders of our times. See how much better a world we could have if these leaders well past their sell by date just shut up for a while. Allow for some clear thought and rationality to enter into the equation. 

That was true yesterday. 

It remains as true today.

And certainly, a necessary component for successful tomorrows.

AMAZING! THE POWER OF SMALL

  The world seems so unimaginably unusually troubled these days. Small countries with their own little wars. Stabbing women and children. Men wielding machetes. Over to the more sophisticated Nations who believed in more subtle, even suave hostile actions, going unnoticed, until not, just as evil as their sharpened knives plunged into the backs and the hearts of those chosen to be declared the enemy. We pat ourselves for doing such a wonderful job. Mostly, it is for something that should never have been and should most certainly be extirpated from the souls and hearts of all the nations of the world. No surprise that does not happen, is it? And the violence only continues. 

A smile gins up 'TILT" in ever more fevered surroundings, the ugly hate, the perverse souls desirous of bloodshed, are all components of a monumentally off-key cat's choir, their yowls waking the dead! What is this ugly violence that pervades society at this level? More important, why is it? 

We have societies which have enabled, even has protected violence in the name of myriad causes, the ones they favor, are rife with bribery. bold corruption, with politicians feted and honored, "gifted", let in on financials deals they favor and this is, shamefully so, is a universal situation.

It matters not whether one is slain with a sword or a bullet or words sharper than ever. The power of Evil is mighty as the most corruptible and already corrupted fall in line. Those who know better. Those who should know better. All wield a spoon larger than life so as to scoop out as much filthy lucre as they can. Lives are defined and defiled.   What they do not seem to comprehend, to feel within their very bones, is that all the gravy does not leave behind a good taste. In fact, it actually foments a bitter taste on the tongues and hearts of so many of their "friends”. 

In actuality, if we honestly assess our situations, is this the society that we ourselves wanted? If so.  we got what we asked for. The blame and the responsibility and the consequences are upon us. Whether we were implicit or complicit. Whether we were noisy or quietly standing by. Nothing comes from nothing. For society to have fallen to such a level of violence and degradation and rampant hate, well, it didn't just happen. 

When someone looks at a 9-month-old baby boy and a 4-year-old little boy and think they are legitimate targets for manual strangulation, there is something very wrong within humanity. In fact, it is a twisted and perverse humanity. When one can look at an individual kidnapped off a dancing celebration or from within a safe room and think this is a great time to practice starvation and torture, the reek of the rottenness, its deeply enmeshed within evil, overwhelms us all.  

So, is this true, that we got what we wanted? Dear G-d, but I hope the rest of us, hopefully the vast majority of us, do not want this. Hence, the question. The same one Elie Weisel asks: Where were you? Where the Hell was the World? And where are they now?

And yet, even as its all, ugliness pervades the world. We looked to the little to the small and soft. 

They change the world, at least for a time. they suffuse the air with an aroma that wraps itself around the heart and all is suddenly changed for the better. New smalls making up a fresh decor for the world.  These are little people, little human beings, small packages of seven or eight pounds and 18 to 21 inches. And within lies the world.

Yesterday we were blessed with another little one. A little boy. Who had his traditional Brit as all Jewish boys do, part of the Covenantal between the Jewish people and the Lord. We have dreams and hope for him, for all the little ones, boys and girls.     We hope we can bequeath them a better brighter world where there will be peace and love, the same love wrapping him around, tying him to others.       

 I could not think about that on such a beautiful day, with such a beautiful little boy being held in my arms and in the arms of other loving family members and friends, I had no room for despair, only hope and love.

We all must examine ourselves. We must. All must look deep within us, our challenged souls, and find the remnants of those little ones, those pure innocent souls. Free of corruption of the world. Free of the pain of the world. We must do our best to maintain the beautiful world. Give it far more effort and understand our responsibility in generating the kind of world that we all wish to live in, that we wish to pass on to our children. To our little ones.

Welcome to the world, little one, whatever the day.

Yesterday, today or endless tomorrows.

WHY? BEATS ME!

  It is indeed a beautiful day. The sun is shining. The sky is blue and thankfully the sounds accompanying us for too long a time were noisy in their silence.  A silence we held close and dear to our hearts. I lay there in bed taking advantage of nothing weighing upon us other than to get ourselves to the airport on time with all that we needed and probably much that was not. 

Suddenly I realized why there was something much brighter on this day, at least for me. This brightness was tinged heavily by overtones of blue, a hue   which continues to drill down into our hearts and souls. Why? Because no matter how much the leaders shout and scream and bash at each other, we, the little people, are perforce affected negatively by their actions or lack thereof. Even the positive seems temporary in nature and the sun begins to dim a little bit more.

So, first things first. In my particular world overnight, the clock ticked the hours away and my age changed. Once, as a little girl I calculated how old I would be when the centuries changed. Fifty-two. What an amazing number! What would it be like to be alive at such old age? I would be so old then, I thought to myself, as I wondered what life will be then. 

Now in accordance with the ticking of that clock which affects so many of us, my years changed. I don't know why it makes a difference. I don't know why there seems to be that major gap between 77 and 78, but 78 appears to carry more of substance within all facets of my personal and public life.

I wonder what have I done in my life? Is it worthy of the aspiration of "legacy” that many people claim to indeed have left behind them or are in the midst of creating that legacy. I don't know. There are three generations after us. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (the best in a bunch). There is nothing like holding that newborn great grandchild in one's arms - that is until the worry emanating from the outside world barges in the door. Whether we unlocked it at will or it was busted in by outside enemy forces.

Concern about what was left after my 78th, of any 'legacy', it paled in comparison with what lies ahead for all these new little ones. What if the world never changes other than for the bad and the worse and the worst? What if mankind never ever learns to take to heart lessons that are clearly out there? If put in place, a much better future for all seems possible, certainly better than the constant state of wars roiling the nations of the world. 

I don't think most normal people get up in the morning thinking, "oh great, today I'm going to bash someone. I'm going to kill someone. I'm going to shoot someone. I'm going to hurt someone, and G-d forbid one of our own gets hurt."

But we do nothing constructive about it. We have put in place leaders who do not lead, other than to harm. We venerate thinkers who do not think. Visionaries with visual impairments, who cannot see past the nose on their faces. 

The world apparently has gone insane. Doing the same thing over and over again insisting that there will be a better result, yet, when that final bell rings nothing much has changed other than for the worse. People, infrastructure, dreams wrecked, disappearing even as we stare after them. That is the world's definition and reality of insanity, timeless repetitions with expectation of different results, but it is the same game again. In fact, it appears to be that its only change is in an ever-deepening depression.  

I wonder why is it that in their growing up years no part of the lessons of life were caught. Perhaps not taught, perhaps taught, and then set aside, for those lessons did not fit the plans. Having fooled too many of the people, too much of the time, they were there, in the center of their ambitions, so to hell with all opposition.

Why is it? Unfortunately, too many of the influential 'leaders' believe that bashing people over and over again with ever more powerful weapons, with ever more negative consequences is the way to go. Why do they never learn that the pathway to peace is not via forced surrender. 

It is instead based upon discussion and compromise and understanding of each other. It is based on the realization that the world was a gift to humanity, to better, to live with its bounty. Why is it that the world cannot distinguish and know that welcoming is better than being in a constant state of hate and violence. At war. Generally, with one side or even the other more concerned with maintenance of leadership positions of power, and the other nation feels it is an existential threat that awaits them if a loss is sustained. And meanwhile all the resources of Nature and the human mind go to waste, focusing on weapons and power rather than on bettering the world. For all.

Why is it that the pseudo leaders among the nations of the world all seem to have been cooked up in the same pot, buying into the same negativity. Same thoughts that violence is the answer, and more violence is even better than that. Is there somewhere in this world an academy which teaches people how to be the worst they can be, how to be the most inimical leader for their own nation, and, frankly, for themselves as well?

I don't know. I do think that the Good Lord Above has not instilled within us an overpowering essence and lusting for evil, to shed blood, to be 'victorious' and horrendous to others. One can ask, why does it seem more prevalent among some and not others? Is violence indeed the way to go, at least for a time? But as seen through history, that path is useless. Inevitably it fails and the cycle revives again and again and again, no solution other than to refight the same wars, time and time again.

But today I'm going to put aside this meandering of thoughts and concentrate on the joy and the love of friends and family and the knowledge, perhaps the hope, that at least somewhere along the line I have made some tiny little change, had some tiny little bit of influence that will down the line, sometime, pay off, into a better world, for all of us.

That is indeed the legacy I would love to leave behind. One of the possibilities of finally achieving that which we are all capable of, that which our Lord expects of us.

Will it ever be so? Not particularly optimistic about it. Certainly not in my time but who knows? Perhaps now to be in our children's time, our future generations. And certainly, I leave behind the power of love with which we can conquer much that is evil within this world. That is, as long as that love is of people, not of one's own betterment over the bodies of others. A life of goodness, not evil.

So today I celebrate my birthday. My optimism, though battered, still remains in workable order. And I know, that sometime, over time, over and through all the

yesterdays, todays and tomorrows 

that humanity will grow up, discard the trash and enter into a glorious world. The world that we were supposed to be good within, and always to strive for the better.

May it be so. Soon. Very soon.

DUE TO TRAVEL NO BLOG UNTIL FRIDAY

AND IN ITS SO UNWELCOME RETURN ...

  It never ends, does it? Just as one thinks perhaps there'll be a somewhat longer respite from the violence, one faces the truth again. There is no respite. Certainly not in the short run and as for the long run, well, that is millennia long, carrying with it a strong reek of hate and bloodlust, of a never dying always useful Hate soaked in venom. And always with the same issues, the same lies, the same nastiness and the same people, recycled again and again through the centuries.

France. A well-known well practiced supporter of anti-Semitism from the time of Rashi to the time of Dreyfus to the 20th century and now into the twenty-first. It has never stopped pursuing any pathway which leads to the applicability of anti-Semitic tropes and memes and by golly! Here we go again. 

Even as discontent and violence roil the worlds of former French colonies, where France contends it has maintained influence and rights, they have no time, no interest to paying attention to it, to solving the fundamental underlying issues. No, far more important to them evidently is a renewed pursuit of elimination - as in the apparently verboten goal of survival of the Jewish nation where they reside, and the absolute anathema of an idea - that it survive and thrive in a nation state of their own.

One nation which the Bible, in which they profess to believe, the backbone of the claim of following  a Judeo-Christian way of life, clearly delineates the Promise of a Homeland. A forever one, no matter how many times the world tried to eliminate such a thought. Most especially the original and always People of the Bible - the Jewish people, to live in peace within their own independent national state for the Jews - perish the thought!

Well, 'pardonez moi', but screw them and their twisted thinking, their abominable vicious Hate to which they cling. Even and especially now, as JewHatred swamps the nations of the world. France has ridden to the siren call of ancient and eternal ugliness and now leads the charge to condemn, isolate, Israel and Jewry - all over the world in deep and drowning pools of ugliness. 

Now they and other nations of the EU are putting forth their best efforts to not only thwart Israel as a whole, but also to nitpick any area, any people, who dare to defy their rules, their definitions of life. Their opinions as to how and why, if Jews are to survive, where they will live, where they will not be entitled to live. Where they can live as Jews, and where they will have to forsake the right to live out in the open as practicing and proud Jews, members of the most ancient and long-lasting people who have survived all that has been thrust at them, upon them, against them. 

The Lord, the true and most powerful defender of the universe as we know it, has made us a promise. Even in the worst of times that promise, always clearly an integral part of their very bodies and souls, always there was the longing to return to their Zion, their state, their capitol since time immemorial - Jerusalem, united and free, at peace. Always the knowledge that when so deemed a proper time to happen, it would. 

There was and never will be a relinquishing of that fundamental precept of Judaism. No matter the hate, no matter the irrationality and inhumanity of the haters, a promise from G-d was a promise to take to the bank. It was and is an eternal promise from the One Above. At the end of the day, He is the One to determine all that happens and all that does not. France, always a leader of this ugliness will get its just dues as will all the Haters and non-practitioners of humanity.

Anyway, back to the top, the title. I wrote yesterday of our cousin in a danger zone, told to remain in her home until all theterrorists who had already killed one hero and wounded five others, were captured, neutralized. Based on the increasing frequency of limited individual and/or small groups of terrorists, we wondered if the ehoes of the Intifada were coming alive.  We hoped not and hoped as well that the terrorists would understand the determined and angry mood of the people, their lack of patience with those who wished them dead. 

In any case, we have packed our bags, to return temporarily to the States for a family celebration - or so we thought. So we planned. And then a rather rude and abrupt sound assaulting our ears and causing a rather automatic move into the safe room. All was well after a few minues and off we went to a vain attempt to return to sleep. And then .... another one, longer this time, and we heard three booms nearby. Later we found out that they had landed nearby but in open areas, devoid of settlement.

And now the question. Are we going to fly or will the airport close and all scheduled flights to be canceled in the interim. Been there done that last time and wondering now what? The boat we took to Cyprus after a few days was not great but served its purpose, but today we read of a planned attack on the same company, a ship carrying Israeli tourists to Crete. And as we take a peek out the window, what do we see? Cars moving along, people walking, a mother with a baby in the carriage - and I admire the resilience of a much-tested nation and its population. I wonder how many, if indeed any, nation would stand as we do - proud, tall, knowing this land is ours. There is no other option, as the song goes - "I have no other land and even if she is burning - it is my land!" One true to history and eternity. 

So here we go again. Time after time. Never an ending. And never ever anymore to be tossed about, to be used as the convenient scapegoat.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Always the same, yet different.

For sure, there will be no more exile from our land.

Never again in all senses of these words.

Been there, done that, and not going there again.

THE NAME OF THE GAME

 One of the most favorite and enjoyable series of movies and plays is that of Mamma Mia! Yes, of course, there are lessons to be made and taken to heart, but mostly it is just the music which grabs  hold of the listener and is carried out from the theater, the tune already familiar in mind and soul. That is why people go and see this, again and again, with entire audiences singing along, with no one telling another, singing in full voice, to keep quiet. 

 One of those famous songs is The Name of the Game. In some presentations, it has been sung defiantly and powerful. In others, it's been presented as a sad commentary on life, it's rather nasty negativity. It defeats those who wish simply to enhance their lives Most of all, to have a companion to share it with whomever that companion might be.

Life indeed, the rather convoluted ever disappointing, ever surprising life. We all know the famous maxim, that into every life, a little rain must fall. Even in the worst of circumstances that rain, the changes, the little things in life, can give one a moment of victory, of triumph over evil, a well-deserved back at ya! 

However, at times those gentle rains, that bit of moisture so necessary to life, morphs into a rain of overwhelming proportions, threatening to drown us and all we hold dear. How is it? Why is it? Too many times, certainly in the past millennia and now, these storms boding no good, from and for humanity, have returned in frightening deluges. These rains have turned harsh, shredding skin and bones, razing hearts and souls of all involved, there being no good side to it at all.

As I sit here in pursuit of completion of the blog, setting aside all distractions, we get via phone. a notification one never wants to get. Disturbing as it should be to all, but it's certainly of far greater consequence to me and my family as one of our own now sits in the midst of a battlefield between terrorists and Israeli forces, well into the land of Israel. And therein sits a beloved relative, an integral family member, more like a spine holding us all together. Once unknown, we were family from the time she was seven, through the years, from a part of the family we had never known. A family more intact, more optimistic, for despite all that our enemies had thrown at us, we had survived.

What is it that makes people want to kill? What is it that gives them ease to actually take the life of one living being, or more than one or two, or the more the better. Yes, it is at this time that those who bleed for the Palestinians, including, unfortunately, some misguided, misshapen minds of our own Jewish people who never cry for our own. But where are the tears for our own? True

Why not for all friends and family caught in the crosshairs? Our friends and family. There are not many of us who truly delight in the deaths of Palestinian, in the sight of children crying for their parents, or parents seeking their children. But that must be said with a caveat. These same people, these Palestinians now crying -well, for what and for whom? You, those doing this, are the very same ones who have enabled, allowed Hamas to take their souls, to regenerate and reformat their hearts and to convince them, threaten them, with whatever works, to allow military caches to be laid beneath the cribs of their children. To allow tunnels to be dug beneath their homes with access within their living rooms. Who have perverted the uses of schools, of hospitals, of community centers to induce more hate. To hide from their just desserts. To keep down below those they have stolen and hid away.  

Why did they allow this to happen? Why did they not seize control? With enough people making a fist one can beat back many more. The same way in which the people of Israel formed fists needed to beat back foes intent on their destruction. When our people cried for family and friends, for our losses, where was the sympathy of even a one on that side? Their tears and cries for a lost child were for their inability to kill more, take more with them, with the promise that the rest of her children will do the same.  

Within this little country, Israel, we are all family. We know them, or a friend, for we are all connected within the tiny but powerful grapevine of communication, particularly of loss. We share in the joys and the tears, line the highways of the nation to honor those lost, to welcome the returned.  Day after day, year after year, the same attacks, the same lies, the same crooked name of the game which hurts all engaged within its complexities.  

I will end this here today, for my emotions are high.

Thankfully, the game is over for today for us as the terrorist was captured and our loved one is safe.

For now.

The Ugly Name of the Game.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

When does it end? 

And as I sit here, g take a new detour to some puzzles with the paper today We get a notice when I flown about yet another terrorist attack This one took place near Calhavia When terrorists was at the Kilbo captured, unfortunately, We already lost one of our own The other terrorist is being sought. Why is this so disturbing to me? Well, first of all all these attacks are disconcerting and concerning How do they get in Generally causing a field in disguise illegal workers and a cooperating whatever. It is now affected me personally. As one of my family was loved a special woman is now in the midst of a battlefield

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

  This morning, as I opened the newspaper and checked on my phone, I saw major problems but not for today. Today I am taking a break in the the name of yet another little Jew joining the tribe. Who knows what great things await this little boy and all his little cousins, so privileged to be able to carry on the heritage of our nation.

So today I say thank you, Hashem. Thank you for the privilege of seeing yet another generation begin to blossom and bloom. Each little one, each of these new little ones, carries promise within. Laughter within. Yes, probably a few tears here and there. You know, little boo boos, but today the world is shiny bright. The light of life new and fresh, with all the wonderful potentialities of all the little ones around the world is overwhelming. I've chosen today to join all celebrating the new little ones joining with us in binding membership.

We celebrate the arrivals. Embrace them with love. Shelter them within our arms and pray that the Lord shelters them beneath His wings and canopy of peace and protection. 

May they all move forward surrounded with peace and love, this new little one and all his cousins, to live lives replete with lives of fulfillment of dreams and hopes, free and joyous participation in the traditions of our people, and indeed all the peoples of the world, for that is indeed what we all crave the most. 

Through the millennia, through the blinding violent actions directed against us, through our yesterdays, this feeling remained strong within us. 

In our todays, we have succeeded greatly but are now facing a reinvigoration of an ugliness we thought, perhaps mistakenly, was gone. But today, with full heart we welcome that familiar light of hope and love, of the people and of the Lord.  We will continue on the same track, with joy, with love, with hopes and dreams, seeking a better today for all the new little ones. 

Despite all the violence and the negativity, despite all we have faced in the yesterdays and the todays, all that has been inflicted upon us, perpetrated upon us, it is still the day of hopes and dreams.  

And so, G-d willing, it will be tomorrow.

In all the tomorrows to come.

May all our new little ones bring airs of hope and love to all of us so desperately in need of it.

INTO AND OUT OF THE ...

   ...Light? What light? It seems to me that the more humanity makes progress technologically, at least as measured by new inventions and accessories, it does not in fact nor in deed, move us any closer to all that we could be. All that we should be. In fact, when taking under close examination all that we pat ourselves on the back for, for progress in STEM, humanitarian concerns, the progress of humanity seems to be covered by a very thin, fragile sheath of veneer, its integrity of coating constantly cracking removing permanence and assurance. 

We simply have entered and almost simultaneously walked out of that Age of Enlightenment. In fact, what light every truly was found, established as a worldwide accepted principle regarding humanity.   Yes. We moved forward in scientific areas albeit sometimes with great battle. We threw down some tidbits to suppressed economic and social groups, a sop to them to dampen the anger roiling within.       

We have invested money into things, not people.     Technology has already begun to rewrite the rule book. As a society we have become less humane, less communicative, less caring and far more competitive than we should be. Much more. The veneer cracks and we are back in the darkness again, back to where we had at least somewhat  emerged.

Roaring back in an overwhelming torrent all the ancient thoughts which had long ago been buried or so we had hoped return. But now the ugliness has returned. People are now valued by how big their houses are, how many they have, and what kind of ostentatious life they lead. How much money they can keep for themselves, rather than sharing it with those who need it to feed their families, to find shelter, to have a decent job with a living wage. To live a life where one can dream and actually achieve that dream. The above have become the mantras of the Uber Wealthy, of those who reached beyond any kind of believable amount. And yet, these days they cut out their contributions to those who are in need of it. They look away from the hungry. They look away from those struck by deep poverty. Not enlightenment, is it?  

While some are able to take advantage of the benefits of new technology, so many find themselves on the wrong side of that line. The one percent is moving forward in their own lives even as the lives of others have become static, even regressing. Find themselves immersed in the darkness so dense, so hostile to the penetration of any light at all. And the dark side was ever closer to a point where it will overtop the world. We will have science fantasy turned into science fiction to run into the reality. I know it's no good for you nor for me, nor for humanity as a whole. 

We got here because those who had reached positions of government, of society, of culture, decided that that was not enough. More, always more and the attainment of that more. They spent all their credit in the world of decency and care for humankind and saving this planet of ours, improving it, able to absorb all that was coming at it. Keeping the good and trashing the negative. Having at hand always, Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and down the line until we find the best plan for us and proceed to build upon it.

The leaders of today have thrown aside responsibilities. Their duties and their honor along with it. They deny blame for any and all and take credit which works for them. They bamboozle the electorate into accepting what is clearly not good for them and celebrate their own maliciousness. They protect their seats of power by disenfranchising those who oppose them. The fist and the weapon rule the day.

 It is at such time that nations wobble, yaw this way and that. Until so dizzy they cannot see straight. They find themselves invested in wars they neither want nor need but were brought on board by those who do need it - For Glory, for business, for more wealth and for their own hubris in deciding they have a legacy to leave behind. Trust me, they have nothing of any worthwhile at all. 

This is an ugly world. As much as you try to keep your head in the sand, the very sand you hide beneath, it will spit you out and it will not be pretty.

Yesterday, some of humanity worked hard to achieve it even as others beat them down.

Today, effectively, we have not gone much further and in some areas, we have regressed.

Tomorrow, we will have to make a life-or-death choice. Which choice will we favor?Choose from below.

Little Orphan Annie singing in loud confident voice "Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow..."

Or will it be the scenario as befits this:

“Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble..."

Your choice.

Our choice.

WHO'S ON FIRST?

   The title comes from the famous Abbott and Costello skit, using confusing names and answering questions with answers only muddling the issue even more. Attempts to clear out the confusion results in even more confusion, more misunderstanding and less communication. Questions such as, who's on first and what's on 2nd, with the answers yes, results in audiences in stitches but beneath all is a darker thread. 

Attempts to dissolve the confusion only adds to it, with true connection and communication just about impossible. Even if we subscribe to the view that all participants are doing the best they can to connect with the other, it just never happens. The end result is worse in an ever more confusing state of mind along with a niggling sense of "perhaps this was intentional", and in that case, what are the true desires of those in the conversation. 

What 'game' are they playing? How long do we let this continue?  Befuddlement all around. Suspicion and fear, degree of mistrust rising rapidly. Shoulders hunch up beside the ears and hackles are raised. The conversation was getting nowhere other than giving rise to a soul deep weariness and growing doubt that anything positive could come out of the current conversation. 

Within this constant state of confusion, the participants now seek independently for other pathways, and inevitably, or for the most part, rarely does anything positive arise. One path is concession, which only arouses more negativity and anger. The second path is worse, a more drastic path of enmity, to the point of violence. No competent leaders to be found, no expert translation available. And it all goes from bad to worse. In short, my friend, this is the state of the world today and has been so since time immemorial.

The situations worsen but more aggravating and irritating, itches demanding to be scratched. The population of one nation or both call for redressing of their grievances and naught of what the other side is saying is heard. Things which demand and should be explained are neglected as the rising voices drown out the voices calling for calm and more attempts to break the dam hindering that so necessary smooth flow of communication.     

The questioning, the confusion, the anger and in the deadly game of musical chairs of politics the only ones consistently without seats is the population. No one to lead. No one righteous enough in thought. No one clever enough, agile enough, with the ability to bring things round to a better stance. Hope drains from the nation's population as they watch with terrified minds and hearts as the viral and vicious game goes on. 

Leaders so not leading, with chairs and occupants revolving so quickly, joining and splitting, name calling and hugging. Choosing names of parties. and then rejecting them. Spouting lines of platforms which break loose from their inadequate nails and the rising level of confusion encourages and enables ever more extreme viewpoints. Be it Left or Right, truly, there is not much air between them. Moderates, losing space and air, choose sides in a desperate attempt to ameliorate and moderate, but all is in vain. 

Extremism grows within the various nations of the world. There is a plethora of politicians, of leaders claiming to be that which the country needs. Then tomorrow, another leader takes the place as the original one goes somewhere difficult to find, nary a trace until suddenly there he is again, same but different. 

Life goes on, ever more tense and elections grow near. Is the government intact or is it collapsing? Whom to believe? Who indeed is on first base and What's on second? Nobody is in right field and in the critical position of shortstop is I don't give a damn; I do not care.  

Here we are today. Most nations of the world are on empty as far as leaders, true leaders are concerned. Most, the shameful majority, grovel at the feet of those in power, amassing more power, manipulating fear, even as their competitors glom onto memes of  ancient threads of Hate.  

We, the voters, stand in confusion at the voting booth. Not sure if they should even make the effort. It does not matter where one is on this globe of ours, ever wobblier on its axis. It is the same all over. The shame is also the same.

 Yesterday we had many similar situations.

 Today, as soon as we ameliorate them, it all goes sideways again.

Tomorrow - will there be a tomorrow and what kind of tomorrow will it be?

Think on that.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

  How indeed did this happen and continues to happen? In the midst of fighting a seemingly eternal war, composed of chapters of different lengths and pauses between those chapters, other, perhaps wars even more critical are being waged, It must be stated that the pauses are never complete, wholly intact, for even then the shooting and the death and destruction continue apace, even as the wars within the nation continue to rend this nation to shreds.

There is no place anymore for eyes and hearts to rest. Print media and online media as well, work hard to fill in any vacuum and pass on ever more news of the day. More young men and women with lives taken and/or massive wounds, both mental and physical, begin to swamp the fighters and their families. And then, on the back of the nation as it is   attacked from without by ancient enemies, names not particular in importance, enemies attack us from within. The sirens go ultra red in thunderous silence. 

Those who are awake and accepting of truth hear the warning of the ugliness ahead. The ugly sight    of Jew fighting Jew breaks all who see it. All who take part on either side. Arrogance combats determination. The law is twisted and turned until there is no law any longer. Do we continue to fight within our own selves, within our own nation cursing and hitting each other? 

What is the truth of this nation and what is the truth about people, particularly those who use an ancient false meme to justify their opposition to what is right. Perhaps even used as a cover up to their cowardice. Even as they see our conscripted fighters and our reserves, constantly turned back onto the fields of war, into the skies of danger. The civilian population and economy are attacked time and again as soldiers who have already done their share, more than their share, in protecting their nation, their families, even the strangers in the street, for we are all Jews together. 

Why is this the reality? Because openly, obviously, cowardly refuse to do what they must. They, those who claim the spiritual upper hand, are the very ones violating the laws regarding wars and warriors of their own religion. Haredi sects who refuse drafting of those within their own sects while of age and of necessity to the very survival of this nation, have induced a shortage of thousands necessary to ensure the safety and survival of this State of Israel.  Looking ahead again, clearly we see thousands more that will be missing. And the ever-increasing call upon those who fulfill their responsibility, work, and time and time again must leave families, home and businesses and positions, to enable the existential survival of our nation. Looking ahead, clearly can be seen  a drastic shortage, so much so that defense of our nation will be curtailed. even, G-d forbid, to the point of possible defeat of our blessed nation. 

The burden of defense must be shared among the entire population. Exclusions for purposes of study of the Torah and the Talmud must be carefully watched and allotted to those of truly best rank and ability, actually a student of that caliber. They are indeed necessary for the defense, but certainly not in the thousands, those pushed to defy and evade.   This is a system that has been corrupted and stretched beyond the breaking point. There are too many who find the time to wander the streets rather than occupy the seats in the study hall. They do find, however, time to hang as hoodlums, as gangs, on the streets of the cities of this nation. Calling halts to entire cities, setting things on fire, endangering not only themselves but also the police and others called in to restore the streets under attack to functioning levels. 

Ironically, when those who recognize the necessity of standing on the borders of our nation, blocking all with massacre in their hearts, they prove to be excellent warriors. They are strong in character, strong in determination and able to withstand those of their communities who act as beasts of the fields towards them.

However, this situation does not only end there with religion being excused as a clearly thin disguise of a cowardly, but even treasonous quest to avoid the trenches, the flying bullets and the pounding of the hearts. No one wants war. No one wants to fight a war. No one wants to see their children caught up in wars. Time, and time again. The people of Israel are tired. It has been a nonstop slog on the battlefields, in the cities and roads where terrorism found opportunity. All the better to be able to shoot rifles in the air and shout "Mat al Yahud" - Death to the Jews - their ultimate goal. Generation after generation has lost so many. In fact, there are many families who have lost at least one in every generation. Fathers, brothers, sons, sisters, mothers, daughters. From the oldest to the youngest, even to those unborn. Parents taken away.

 Common sense question arises Why then do we pick fights and battles and declare war on our fellow citizens? Our fellow residents of this nation. Why have we indeed become not a refreshing clear light unto the nations but rather have become a lamp clogged and nonworking. We now engage in   fight for power We fight for position We fight to  amass money.cWe get so caught up in other worlds contained within our Venn diagrams that we disremember that in those Venn diagrams there is an overlap with others of our own.

Somewhere along the line we've lost our independence. We allow others to tell us whether and what we can do, even, and especially, when our survival is being challenged. Having to deal with those demented in their hatred and their duplicitous   false practices and claims that religion has won.  G-d favors them and he will save them. We certainly hope that the Lord remembers us down here but there are no promises that an answer will be given and that answer be positive in nature. We cannot read the mind of G-d. We are only able to do the best we can, to be welcoming and kind to all. 

Unfortunately, we clearly do not abide by that mantra. We criticize others for their lack of heights of observance, for their nonobservance, for their observance with the wrong customs as they deem it so. We pass on insults comparing those who differ   to beasts of the fields, to filthy animals, to creatures who still crawl upon the face of this earth. 

I don't understand that, for even as they claim brotherhood of all, on the other side of the mouth they speak otherwise. They rebel against the laws displeasing them. They work to place this nation under the smothering canopy of a theocracy, most unwanted. For all these internal battles we have earned ourselves a corrupt and corrupting government. People who have been held on too long, way past their sell by dates. 

And finally, for now, I abhor the treatment of women here in Israel. In other countries, even of the Third World, women have been heads of government. The only one we have had here is Golda Meir and Lord knows we need more of her, please.  We have from within those who believe every falsehood, every blood libel, cast out into the world about us. Ever so eager to back every lie that our enemies spew forth?  

We must stop cutting out the faces of women or blurring their faces as they become non-persons. We must cherish and acknowledge and celebrate all that women have contributed to our history. All the Heroines of all the Times. We must not stifle their talents and their minds and allow them to speak out and speak up, Contributing all they can and will to our people, to our nation, to our world

 Possibly foremost of all, we need proper education for within that schooling will be the seeds of a more united nation, of an unselfish population. No more to be governed by those who have a high opinion of themselves, are robed in cloaks of hubris. who want lives of all benefits to them, to grow in influence and power, in amassing monies beyond counting.  

 Education, secular and religious, will birth a more productive nation, with all contributing in righteous and proper manner. All conceding that this is where our nation must be and where we must go, with great strides and clear eyes, vision pure, to get there to share our heritage with all, for a Jew is a Jew is a Jew. It is not upon other Jews to decide that no, they are not, in some way lacking.

Back to the top. How did we get here? How did we lose ourselves? When and why do we increase that which separates us rather than enclosing us within, as one, together. How did we find ourselves so deep under water, so smothered by fetid stinking muds and entangled in poisonous weeds. How did we allow so much to fall upon the shoulders of so few, as on the battlefield they battle and do the same on the home front.

Yesterday. How indeed do we find ourselves back here?

Today. A baffling situation, almost not to be understood, yet it must. If we are to move positively into our

Tomorrows. That which awaits us and is on us. As always.

WE INTERRUPT....

 Why are we interrupting? Because we find that at this point, we are flying very quickly backwards, back into the future and it is not designed for our comfort nor, or indeed, our future. The plane of existence upon which we stand has turned out to the shaky. It is very carefully and mightily disempowering its possibilities and threatening    the future, all predicated on an outdated, hateful Jewish denying society.

  In general, at this point and truthfully in use and under discussion, as an option, particularly among those well assimilated into the Christian society at large, is a return to what was, but never worked. New again but in fact as old as time. It presents itself as a humanistic proposal to those of the Jewish faith, promising an embrace to those who will follow one or the other of two paths. One is a path tried before in many countries of Western Europe and even in America. That is to be a quiet Jew in your home but not on the street They look like anybody and everybody else along the roads of the nations of the world. Consigning a heritage to a trash dump which for many years will remain untouched and when rediscovered if it is such a time as it suits that larger society to remind you of your heritage, of the truth of your genes, the truth of who you are, that society will behave accordingly.

Been there, done that, haven't we? Many a time. Many a time successful for those who bought into it hook, line, and sinker, but only for a time. The innate prejudice and jealousy will always rise to the top as scum is wont to do. A more permanent path remains. The second path is most likely a twig, an offshoot of the main trunk of the poisoned tree.  It will take over the minds of the haters and those who hate themselves. 

It too has been tried many, many a time, to succeed, with generations buying into it out of desperation, out of ambition, and all actions are baseless, useless in the long run, even in the short run. The Pale was such a place. It planned to convert one third of the Jewish population, to kill another 3rd, and exile the last third. It was put into action in spoken and unspoken manner. But quite heavily applied in other nations of the world particularly so in nations of the West. 

More of the wealthy, the ambitious, lent themselves to those who wished them gone, to joining this false precept of a world embracing those who denied their heritage and their history. Some nations presented this option as a one and done. A permanent divorce and wedding as a safe place for a soft landing providing perhaps what seemed to be a soft landing for its proponents and acceptors. So simple. With no consequences of you in a rising value within society

But once again, we found that this was both a temporary and permanent situation. There were some who escaped this pressure, leaving the country of their residence, where they were denied acceptance as either citizens or fellow human beings. Some jumped into it, totally immersed themselves in its fetid waters, cleared all remnants of an "outmoded and dangerous faith".

 But, down the road, inevitably, the truth of the hate, of infected perverse thinking and actions made their presence known. All was unearthed and aired. Nothing came out of that but more negativity, of more hate in ramped up manner.  Vindictive grossly inhumane manner. The same hate which burned Jews in their homes in England. Jews burned at the stake in France and Spain. In the New World and the Old. 

So why are we back here again? In France in 1789, it was proposed that citizenship rights for Jews were proper. But this came with a caveat most indigestible. They had to disavow their relationship, their connection to other Jews throughout the world, to stubborn Jews within their own country. His famous statement - and warning - Everything to the Jews as individuals. Nothing to them as a people. What other nation has consistently been placed into this tragic choice? Live or die? Stay and give up your soul. Leave.  Run. Find the same thing in another language, but still the same.

Furthermore, once convinced they had buried their past deeper, unable to be found, they discovered otherwise. Time and time again the haters and their enablers dug into the past, some recent, some further into that past.  All those people who had gone missing were found. Some knowingly, some not. The motivation had changed the emphasis. It was not just to erase the faith. It was to erase the Jewish people. Even if one tried to flee for safety the borders were closed. No exit. No survival.

So it was in the German Nazi Empire with collaborators galore. No lack, cooperating with their own enemies in the name of erasing Jewry from this earth. It all began and begins with the precepts of the Jewish faith, anathema to so many who were way behind. Romans, Greeks. Arab monarchs and Muslim jihadists. No air between them. The sophisticated sotto voce murmurs and whisperings in th UN, among natural enemies who focused together on "the Jewish problem". All of us. You are and remain as despised. The gates of the nations of the world are closed as the ever ongoing, ever more horrible, ever stronger replication and reincarnations of vicious memes of Hate continues.

Now, perhaps here is where it hits me in more personal manner. As one of multiple generations who lived in New York City. As one who accepted as normal the “Jewish overlay" in the city. Yiddish words and Jewish precepts were part and parcel of the life within the city. Jewish men and women rose in the professions. The various educational systems. The manufacturing processes.  To be outwardly free and confident to walk through the city, attend synagogue, go about life, without fear of physical harm, to dress as one did without fear. 

Now this is no more. Greatly handicapped by a vicious leader, a mayor, who hates Jews, buoyed by his twisted faith in a perverse form of Islam and false statements of Palestinians who have joined with him to combat the reality and righteousness of a Jewish state, an independent, thriving nation.  This eats away at him, and he has joined with the haters of the world, going where he does not belong, neglecting responsibilities.  He is                  equal to the worst JewHaters, as he uses the political power of his position - herein América!!! - to condemn Jews, to deny them safety in their own residence, to do all he and his accursed wife can to negate and disappear the Jewish State of Israel, the Jews within his realm, and indeed, all Jews elsewhere.   

New York City is my home. Born and bred within. Part and parcel of the beat of life within.  Generations before me and after me, all native-born Americans, hence, entitled to any and all of rights granted to all citizens, be they of whatever faith or none, prior residence, naturalized, whatever conditions met and invoked. But today, no more. It is the haters on the level of Mamdani that we must pursue, squash, and remove from office where he has no right to be. One wishing to destroy the nation has no right to be in any such position. 

One does not invite into one's home he and those who would as soon set your house on fire with you within as do anything else. One's obligation for the sake of self, family and friends, for Americans, for citizens of the world, is to shake and wake up the people who love this nation. There is certainly enough legal power in this nation, enough rights to do just this and return us all to where we were before we went drastically off road without an offroad vehicle.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

What should be? What was and what?

We must draw the picture. We must color it in and present it to future generations as a gift, an eternal one, never losing its value, never losing its courage and its might and determination to hold true to the values of the Founding Fathers and all who defended it over the past 250 years.