Our Inimicable World

If it is human nature to be gregarious and I believe it is, why then is the world such as inimical place?

Most of us find it easy to make friends wherever we go, both at home and when we travel the globe. We reach out to communicate and understand one another in many ways because we are gregarious. We have cell phones to walk around with because we can't wait to reach out to each other and we have the greatest new invention which epitomizes my point, the world wide web. What can be more indicative of our desire to learn all that we can about our fellow human beings? Movies and television reflect how thirsty we are for understanding our diverse fellow humans on this planet. The United States recently elected a man who's ancestors were slaves just 150 years ago in America. US citizenry, like all human beings is innately gregarious, we just err from time to time! It seems to me that men and women on mother earth want to get along because it is natural for them to do so.

Why then has there been constant WAR among some of the peoples of the world without interruption for thousands of years?
Why in the 21st century, when man on earth has never had more of EVERYTHING, including food, material wealth, education, medical treatment and leisure time, are hostilities among nations and peoples still so violently present?

What are we all fighting over as we each pass a relatively few years of LIFE on earth? There are no banks at cemeteries so it shouldn't be over riches. Wealth is fun to accumulate but aside from it's obvious benefits, does it make sense to kill for it? Indeed, it is ironic that those that acquire wealth are, in many cases, quick to to give portions of it away before they die because it feels absolutely wonderful to share wealth with those who are needy. Odd!

Man's Religious wars are the most difficult of all to understand. Killing in G-d's name is in my view, sacrilegious. Most religions have core values of PEACE and love of one's fellow man. Duh?

Nation against Nation armed conflict and cold wars are also irrational. Few if any countries in the world are able to manage their affairs so well that the people living within their borders are ALL well fed, housed, clothed, healthy, educated and employed. Before seeking more territory and people to rule over, I would think seeking MORE land and dominion would be a liability not an asset to an imperfect nation. Note how much it has cost the United States to win wars. US citizens are still paying for our victories over German and Japan over 60 years ago. Not to mention the HUGE cost of building armies and tools of war, which often rot while new and better ones are developed. Madness and bad economics!

Today, we have many Crisis in the middle east (the center of many of our religions) which threatens life as we know it. Civilization has gotten so adept at irrational behavior that we are capable of completely destroying all life with the push of a little red button. Nuclear and biological instruments of inimicability has rendered us all at each others mercy. What will we do? Become more gregarious and live or more inimical and die?

A must read letter I received re: The crisis is Gaza

> An Open Letter to A citizen Of Gaza:
> I Am the Soldier Who Slept In Your Home:
> By: Yishai G (reserve soldier)
> Hello,
> While the world watches the ruins in Gaza, you return to your home
> which remains standing. However, I am sure that it is clear to you
> that someone was in your home while you were away.
> I am that someone.
> I spent long hours imagining how you would react when you walked into
> your home. How you would feel when you understood that IDF soldiers
> had slept on your mattresses and used your blankets to keep warm.
> I knew that it would make you angry and sad and that you would feel
> this violation of the most intimate areas of your life by those
> defined as your enemies, with stinging humiliation. I am convinced
> that you hate me with unbridled hatred, and you do not have even the
> tiniest desire to hear what I have to say. At the same time, it is
> important for me to say the following in the hope that there is even
> the minutest chance that you will hear me.
> I spent many days in your home. You and your family's presence was
> felt in every corner. I saw your family portraits on the wall, and I
> thought of my family. I saw your wife's perfume bottles on the
> bureau, and I thought of my wife. I saw your children's toys and
> their English language schoolbooks. I saw your personal computer and
> how you set up the modem and wireless phone next to the screen, just
> as I do.
> I wanted you to know that despite the immense disorder you found in
> your house that was created during a search for explosives and
> tunnels (which were indeed found in other homes), we did our best to
> treat your possessions with respect. When I moved the computer table,
> I disconnected the cables and lay them down neatly on the floor, as I
> would do with my own computer. I even covered the computer from dust
> with a piece of cloth. I tried to put back the clothes that fell when
> we moved the closet although not the same as you would have done, but
> at least in such a way that nothing would get lost.
> I know that the devastation, the bullet holes in your walls and the
> destruction of those homes near you place my descriptions in a
> ridiculous light. Still, I need you to understand me, us, and hope
> that you will channel your anger and criticism to the right places.
> I decided to write you this letter specifically because I stayed in
> your home.
> I can surmise that you are intelligent and educated and there are
> those in your household that are university students. Your children
> learn English, and you are connected to the Internet. You are not
> ignorant; you know what is going on around you.
> Therefore, I am sure you know that Qassam rockets were launched from
> your neighborhood into Israeli towns and cities.
> How could you see these weekly launches and not think that one day we
> would say "enough"?! Did you ever consider that it is perhaps wrong
> to launch rockets at innocent civilians trying to lead a normal life,
> much like you? How long did you think we would sit back without
> reacting?
> I can hear you saying "it's not me, it's Hamas". My intuition tells
> me you are not their most avid supporter. If you look closely at the
> sad reality in which your people live, and you do not try to deceive
> yourself or make excuses about "occupation" , you must certainly reach
> the conclusion that the Hamas is your real enemy.
> The reality is so simple, even a seven year old can understand:
> Israel withdrew from the Gaza strip, removing military bases and its
> citizens from Gush Katif. Nonetheless, we continued to provide you
> with electricity, water, and goods (and this I know very well as
> during my reserve duty I guarded the border crossings more than once,
> and witnessed hundreds of trucks full of goods entering a blockade-
> free Gaza every day).
> Despite all this, for reasons that cannot be understood and with a
> lack of any rational logic, Hamas launched missiles on Israeli towns.
> For three years we clenched our teeth and restrained ourselves. In
> the end, we could not take it anymore and entered the Gaza strip,
> into your neighborhood, in order to remove those who want to kill us.
> A reality that is painful but very easy to explain.
> As soon as you agree with me that Hamas is your enemy and because of
> them, your people are miserable, you will also understand that the
> change must come from within. I am acutely aware of the fact that
> what I say is easier to write than to do, but I do not see any other
> way. You, who are connected to the world and concerned about your
> children's education, must lead, together with your friends, a civil
> uprising against Hamas.
> I swear to you, that if the citizens of Gaza were busy paving roads,
> building schools, opening factories and cultural institutions instead
> of dwelling in self pity, arms smuggling and nurturing a hatred to
> your Israeli neighbors, your homes would not be in ruins right now.
> If your leaders were not corrupt and motivated by hatred, your home
> would not have been harmed. If someone would have stood up and
> shouted that there is no point in launching missiles on innocent
> civilians, I would not have to stand in your kitchen as a soldier.
> You don't have money, you tell me? You have more than you can imagine.
> Even before Hamas took control of Gaza, during the time of Yasser
> Arafat, millions if not billions of dollars donated by the world
> community to the Palestinians was used for purchasing arms or taken
> directly to your leaders bank accounts. Gulf States, the emirates -
> your brothers, your flesh and blood, are some of the richest nations
> in the world. If there was even a small feeling of solidarity between
> Arab nations, if these nations had but the smallest interest in
> reconstructing the Palestinian people – your situation would be very
> different.
> You must be familiar with Singapore. The land mass there is not much
> larger than the Gaza strip and it is considered to be the second most
> populated country in the world. Yet, Singapore is a successful,
> prospering, and well managed country. Why not the same for you?
> My friend, I would like to call you by name, but I will not do so
> publicly. I want you to know that I am 100% at peace with what my
> country did, what my army did, and what I did. However, I feel your
> pain. I am sorry for the destruction you are finding in your
> neighborhood at this moment. On a personal level, I did what I could
> to minimize the damage to your home as much as possible.
> In my opinion, we have a lot more in common than you might imagine. I
> am a civilian, not a soldier, and in my private life I have nothing
> to do with the military. However, I have an obligation to leave my
> home, put on a uniform, and protect my family every time we are
> attacked. I have no desire to be in your home wearing a uniform again
> and I would be more than happy to sit with you as a guest on your
> beautiful balcony, drinking sweet tea seasoned with the sage growing
> in your garden.
> The only person who could make that dream a reality is you. Take
> responsibility for yourself, your family, your people, and start to
> take control of your destiny. How? I do not know. Maybe there is
> something to be learned from the Jewish people who rose up from the
> most destructive human tragedy of the 20th century, and instead of
> sinking into self-pity, built a flourishing and prospering country.
> It is possible, and it is in your hands. I am ready to be there to
> provide a shoulder of support and help to you.
> But only you can move the wheels of history."
> Regards,
> Yishai, (Reserve Soldier)

Got Gold?

The title of this posting is in honor of a pal of mine who has been asking that question for about two years. For the past several years Gold has climbed out of the 20 odd year abyss it had been in since it's last glory period circa 1980. At one point last year it topped $1,000 per ounce, then promptly dropped 30%.

As it has been clearer and more obvious that the current world financial crisis is not your run of the mill down turn in the business cycle but a more serious systemic challange to banks, insurance companies, stock markets and the currencies of many nations, gold has become an investment option which may prove to be prudent. In a world where not only franchise companies such as GM,AIG and Citi bank fail to name a few and countries are on the verge of declaring bankruptcy, how can gold not be an asset of choice? It's historic store of value, it's use as a standard to give currencies an intrinsic value as well as it's mystical and emotional value to vast portions of the world population give it star quality like no other asset.

I would urge everyone to consider exactly what is going on in America, England, Russia, China and many other major countries. I would suggest that the times we live in are more uncertain financially than ever since the Depression Era. If not gold what?

I would welcome all views.

Mr President

Congratulations Mr President. You make me proud to be an American. The people of the United States and the Citizens of the world need a man of your elk. The fact that you are the first African American President of the United States fills my heart with joy because it proves that we, the people of the USA, are growing up as a Nation. WE need your leadership and your personal assets to help bring us back to our proper place among Nations and to help us cure the multitude of ills facing our society today. I trust in you and like a majority of Americans embrace your vision for America and will work with you to achieve a better life for us and especially for our children, grandchildren and future generations. Bless you and your beautiful family.

Jewlicious speaks with Edward Zwick

Edward Zwick director of DEFIANCE is a Jewish Harvard grad, known for his ealier films, "Blood Diamonds" and "Glory." The story is based on the true exploits of three Jewish farmers in the forest of Belarus during World War II. The brothers escaped from the Novgorod ghetto after 4000 Jews were slaughtered in a mass execution. They weren’t saints and had their sibling rivalries, but were still able to resist Nazis and Nazi supporters and 1,200 Jews survived the war under their leadership. Zwick, who filmed the project in Lithuania, was attracted to this Holocaust story since it was not about the iconography of Jewish victimization, but about fighting back.

Zwick was asked by a Jewlicious reporter whether by opening in Europe, he would create an equivalency between the current situation in Gaza and the story of Defiance. Zwick replied that, “…the argument comparing what the Jews are doing and what the Nazis did is just such a preposterous exaggeration, because when one uses the word genocide, you have to ask: If Israel were interested in genocide when they have more than the means necessary to accomplish such a thing, and given that, in context, they’re using a certain amount of restraint. Yes, I know the word “restraint” is hard to talk about, given what’s happening in Gaza, but it is a type of restraint. What I’m responding to is equivalence. Words are important. Genocide is a word thrown around too easily. This is happening now in Poland and Lithuania. There’s an attempt to make an equivalence between alleged war crimes of the Bielskis and the Holocaust.“ Asked about comparing Israel and Hamas, Zwick replied, “What I see is that there is a double standard, that on one side you have an organization dedicated to creating the maximum amount of destruction and horror, and doing it in a way that is deliberately bloody-minded and terrorizing. On the other hand you have an extremely powerful state with all the means at its disposal to create a horrifying result, and yet trying, despite the resulting horrible casualties, nonetheless seeming to use extraordinary restraint. It’s really an interesting contradiction.”

Well said Edward Zwick! In my opinion your have stated the case for Israel better than I have been trying to do for years. Maybe that explains why you are a great director and I am a frustrated armature author of a Blog. The world judges Israel too harshly and unfairly. War is never a "clean and clear cut proposition." As a Jewish child born May 1st 1945 in Poland, days before WW II ended in Europe, I offer the following examples of War never being 100% fair. My parents lost their parents, many siblings and almost all of their other relatives including their first born son to the German Nazis. They survived the Holocaust-the lucky ones! The Nazis were far from innocents, but were the German infants of these Nazi's who were bombed and killed guilty of anything? Were the murders of brave German people who unsuccessfully attempted to hide and save Jews justified?

From the time the United Nations voted to permit the Jews to hoist the Star of David and declare Palestine to henceforth be the State of Israel, it has been besieged by the countries surrounding the tiny land mass they were allotted and legally occupied. Hostile Arab countries refused to recognize the new Nation and declared they would drive the Jews to their death into the sea. Miraculously, the "Chosen" people survived all the threats and hostilities that followed (continuing until this day) and in a relatively short time frame, transformed the tenuous fledgling Nation into a powerful force in the Middle East. Overwhelming odds have not kept Israel from becoming the most powerful nation in the region. With no oil (G-d could have given Israel just one oil well) but substantial financial support, especially from the United States government and American Jewry, they stand today, ready and capable of insuring that "Never Again!" is not just a slogan. As a Jew who lived in a displaced person's camp in Austria before coming to America in 1948, I support Israel and I support it's right to protect it's people from it's enemies. Shalom

The American Revolution II ? Can it happen?

We all know that our country is in very bad straights. The Financial Crisis is a mass of weak branches, while the trunk is splintering and in grave danger of crashing to the ground. Our current state of affairs took many years to develop into it's present dyer condition. Whatever the rescue plan our leadership employs, it is clear that it will take a long time for a full recovery. At best, we need to be smarter than we have ever been about using our resources in this most challenging crisis, which in many ways is more serious that the Great Depression. At worst, our way of life will collapse. Rome fell, as did many other great empires, we could too. Not that I foresee that happening in the near future but it is a possibility.

I support massive Federal intervention. I am for the United States Congress as well as all branches of our government coordinating as they never have before, an aggressive and expensive long term program or programs to "bail out" America. America would necessarily include American companies and American Institutions but most of all American citizens.

Regrettably,I am witnessing our government squandering Billions and yes Trillions of tax dollars. If this continues, I fear there will be another Revolution in North America. I am frightened by the size and scope of the bail outs and the shockingly inappropriate way our leaders are indiscriminately wasting time and money in a haphazard mindless way. I fear they are contributing to the worst case scenario.

Why?
Executives of corporations that are asking for public funds, have for the most part mismanaged their companies and in some cases committed criminal offenses. Without exception or excuses ALL should be terminated immediately before a dollar of public monies is given to their companies. Part of Capitalism is failures and yes, bankruptcies. A committee of our best business minds could be formed to advise our government leaders in selecting replacement executives. These replacements aught to be compensated in part with government funds (possibly TARP money) and would therefore be directly responsible in part to the PEOPLE who are providing the money to bail out these public corporations who would FAIL without the Peoples tax money! The ousted executives who committed crimes should be prosecuted!

Large public corporations such as GM or Ford Motors and private companies such as Chrysler, could be broken into smaller, more manageable pieces in order that other healthier companies with capital available for growth and opportunities could and take them over, or allow parts that are total failures to go bankrupt. The government could still assist with bail out money of sorts but in various creative ways that suit each individual case. Pouring Billions of tax dollars down an endless sink hole with a hope and a prayer is ludicrous.

To date, Billions have been inappropriate spent. The fault falls squarely on the current administration and the current congress. Soon another congress and another administration will take control. Sadly, the coffers have been massively depleted. Any further disastrous errors could be the straws that break the Nations back. I fear that more of same poor actions that have NOT worked could mark the beginning of the end of America as we love it. Remember "Taxation without representation? What the hell is this? How are the American people being represented if they are taxed to death while their tax money is squandered or given to criminals?

I'd prefer to see accountability. Criminal Executives should be punished and the all executives who must now beg the government for bail outs must be dismissed. We are paying for both mistakes and criminal behavior. While corporate leaders have lined their pockets for years with mega compensation, many Americans are now suffering MAJOR financial losses...$1,500-$3,000 a year in Capital Loss Carry Forward tax relief is not going to help them. 401K's of aging Americans that now are 201K's will probably never recover in time to afford the retirement income that was planned. Ordinary Americans have lost their jobs, their homes and their health over this Crisis. Yes we are all responsible to some degree but why should weakest of us, who benefited the least suffer the most. Corruption, flagrant manipulation and degradation of our Financial system should cause more than a little red face or embarrassment to the culprits in corporate America, while ordinary taxpayers (the overwhelming majority) pay for the errors of the elite and suffer the most!

It is NOT too late to enforce fairness. The banks for example have stolen our tax dollars. Give it back or do the right thing and or go to jail.

Politically, the Republicans and the Democrats are both at fault. The politics of this mess is ownership of blame. Both parties are pointing fingers, so as to look better and score points for the next election. Are Americans that stupid that they will starve to death---literally, before they revolt? I think NOT.

2009 The year of the return to sanity

This year I have made no New Year resolutions and I am making no predictions. However, I am optimistic that this year we will return to a more sane environment in the areas of Politics, Financial Markets and relationships with other nations.

Obama will usher in a fresh approach which will put the United States on a saner path at home and abroad. Most Americans gave him their vote of confidence in November. Now it is his turn to dig us out of the mess we are in step by step. Soon it will be Obama's watch... he will be held accountable for the progress or lack of it, that occurs on all fronts. In three weeks the guard changes and the New Year really begins.