Romantically Illiterate on the UWS

Out in Los Angeles, or what I like to call the “real world,” attraction is an easy concept to qualify: he asked for my number, he tried to kiss me, I gave him my number, we flirted, he told me he thought I was pretty. On the Upper West Side, all those very basic signs that let me know I am desirable in the secular world go out the window. On the UWS, I am romantically illiterate.

I can stand in a room of hundreds of young Jewish singles (ages 25-35, approximately) and truly believe that no one is interested in knowing me, romantically or otherwise. In my many brief UWS experiences, people never approach strangers, choosing instead to meander from acquaintance to acquaintance, exchanging niceties, and complaining to close friends that they wish the new faces in the room approached them or that the new faces would be amenable to being approached. No wonder insecurity spreads like a pandemic through the avenues of the Upper West Side! Each trip I take to “the scene,” I find myself second-guessing my social skills. Forget about whether or not I am attractive, am I socially adept? I barely succeed to add five new names to my list of “approachable acquaintances!”

The good news is, out in the “real world,” I know I am both attractive and socially proficient, and because of the confidence that goes along with recognizing both of these truths, I keep sending myself back to “the scene” in the hopes that I will meet someone worthwhile in spite my UWS illiteracy and the stunted and peculiar social norms of the UWS.

On this most recent trip, I did succeed in uncovering a few interesting insights into the UWS mentality that might help me in the future…

It is self evident that the eligible men on the UWS are afraid of approaching women. Why? Well, due to the overwhelming number of eligible women and the, unfortunately, poor offering of eligible men on the UWS, the men are pegged on a hierarchy based on a number of dateable factors (such as looks, financial means, intelligence, socially aptitude/cool, and overall desirability). All the eligible women believe that they deserve a man at the top of this hierarchy. And, if the eligible women are approached by a gentlemen of whom they have no knowledge or previous encounters, they are afraid that this stranger is nothing better than an awkward third, forth, or fifth to the finest (or most player-esque) single men on the UWS. They want “better.”

Instead of accepting the approach as complimentary, and figuring out the desirability of the new face over a drink or a conversation in shul, the eligible female thwarts the courageous come-on with palpable disinterest, or an urgent need to meet up with a friend across the room. Consequently, the non-“players” on the Upper West Side have learned not to approach women. And women are left lonely and wondering how to get a date.

So how do people meet, how are matches made? Very reminiscent of the good ol’ shtettle days, the UWS has reinvented the matchmaker. The modern matchmaker is a peer who is somehow connected to both an interested individual and the object of his/her interest. In other words, if a girl sees a guy and finds him attractive, she finds a friend or a friend of a friend to set the two of them up on a blind date. And so the matchmaker is reborn.

The problem with this new matchmaker system is that the hierarchy still exists, as does the rampant self-esteem crisis. As a result, singles of both genders fall into a commitment-phobic warp and become chronic daters, jumping from date to date, trying to work their way up this strange hierarchal design of the UWS. I wonder how people live in this environment year after year and maintain a sense of self and self-worth without becoming too easy or too sad. I don’t know that I am cut out for such a life even though I am willing to return to “the scene” again and again in the hopes of meeting that one person who makes it worthwhile.

To all the singles on the UWS, I wish you the best of lucky and the most unique of praises. I believe that I am capable of a lot, but, in some ways, you are stronger than I am. You endure a strange sort of struggle on a daily basis that I could not withstand. May you all succeed in retaining your sense of self and never feel compelled to compromise yourself in order to feel valued.

I look forward to sharing with you additional insights into the UWS as I uncover them. In time, maybe I will be able to school myself in the ways of the UWS and no longer think of myself as an illiterate stranger in a land of perfectly dressed, albeit, socially inept singles.

September 11, 2009

I find myself in New York on the anniversary marking eight years since horrible and unforgettable terror was unleashed on US soil. Eight years later, and existing at least three degrees of separation from any of the casualties of the attack, I still feel a powerful and surreal, if not an eerily personal, connection to the infamous events of September 11, 2001.

On that day, in the moments that I watched the second plane rip through the second twin tower, and in the seconds that followed- watching the twin pillar manifestation of US greatness collapse, my world changed. The foreign concept of subterfuge and terror, invaded my reality. And in those first few minutes of the attack, my deeply seeded patriotism burgeoned into an uncontrollable and unflagging love for this country.

The day that the terrorist threat to US security was unveiled as an actuality, America’s greatness was revealed. And on the day that Americans learned of the malevolence of people such Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Zacarias Moussaoui, we also came to learn of the unique and exceptional unity of the American people. On 9/11, we came together under one flag, as one people; in support of our heroic responders, in grief over comrades lost, we were unified by our love for this country, our liberties and our fellow man.

And now, eight years later, I cannot help but well-up in tears as New Yorkers gather at the site of the attack, reading the names of all those who lost their lives in pursuit of the American dream. Every single name read reflects a unique member of the American population who contributed to our society and our greatness. The first responders, in particular, represent the best of what we can be. They were the embodiment of the greatness that is within us all.

I weep still at the thought of family members being torn apart by the evil, terrorist villains. The cruelty of that act, the hatred that propelled the terrorist plot frightens me to my core. Such hatred is beyond my understanding.

More than anything, 9/11/2001 will forever be seared into my memory as the day in which hatred clawed at the infrastructure of America, razing our buildings, but failing to keep America’s essence of virtue and comradery from lighting up the world.

I hope and pray that the families of all those injured or murdered on September 11, 2001 find peace. May they find solace in the fact that the memories of their loved ones, their stories of heroism and courage, will be passed on from parent to child for all of time.

The Republican Party Makeover

Whether you agree with Obama’s politics or not, you can, undoubtedly, recognize his appeal. He knows how to connect with the people. He is the embodiment of everything our contemporary society values: power, prestige, influence, class, well-tailored clothing, a fit figure, and a winning smile. Both President Obama and the First Lady understand how to garner worldwide support by embodying the publics’ ideal. While the Republicans still behave as though their views and accomplishments will earn them support from the populace, the Obamas have learned that political support and popularity is achieved, in part, by integrating DC politics with Hollywood élan. While both the President and First Lady are accomplished, their far-reaching popularity is not due to their academic histories, nor is it predominantly due to any of their many impressive accomplishments or politics. The success of the Obamas is their ability to transform a political image and appointment into something that society understands: a social status, a style and an allure. The Obamas are anything but a classic political family. The First Lady often bares hear arms at events. The President tweets and corresponds via his Blackberry. The First Lady also ranks on Maxim’s 100 Hottest Women’s list. And the President appeared on the Tonight Show, with Jay Leno, in order to communicate his message to the public.

The Obamas understand that Americans do not watch CSPAN; Americans watch the Tonight Show. And if you want to command the attention of the people, speak their language and appear on the programming of their choice.

While the Obamas breathe new life into the Democratic Party with their flare and fashion, the Republicans are becoming obsolete. Not only is the Republican Party old, stodgy, white, male, and Protestant, in comparison to Obama Democrats, but Republican leaders and figureheads are foolish enough to air their dirty laundry in public. Crass has not and will never be attractive to voters, Mr. Limbaugh and Vice President Cheney. Moreover, to all far right wing conservatives, I beseech you to contemplate the following question: What do you achieve by ostracizing the majority of voters with your extreme stances on issues?

I think the Republicans have lost touch both with the American people and conservative values. The Republican Party has transformed into something I hardly recognize. Instead of representing traditional values such as education, family, and dedication to land and country, the Republican party stands for war, anti-gay marriage, and pro-life. Look to Obama as an example of what reaches audiences. In an America influenced by Hollywood, voters will not choose leaders who stand for war, anti-gay marriage, and pro-life. They want something different. And if the Republican Party plans on staging a comeback in DC, they better be ready to give the American people what they want: A Republican Party Makeover!

Since most Republicans leaders are probably unfamiliar with America’s Next Top Model, and the multitude of copycat and similar shows, let me attempt to explain to you a basic occurrence that happens on all such shows. The contestants get a makeover, including wardrobe, hair, makeup, runway walk, etc. The contenders in running for the elite title of reality show winner are made current, contemporary and attractive to at-home viewers, because the viewers are also usually responsible for electing the winner through weekly phone-in voting.

Viewers however, are not merely superficial. In Dancing with the Stars, for example, front runner in dance ability, Lil’ Kim, was ousted from the show prior to fellow competitor Ty Murray, the rough and unrefined bull-rider turned dancer. Voters related to Ty’s dedication and persistence, keeping him on the show for longer than the always graceful and competent Lil’ Kim.

Likewise, the Republican Party needs its own makeover, complete with new faces, a female presence, new ideas, and a new way of delivering its message. The Republican Party needs to relate to the American people to increase its voting base. No longer should the Republican Party be synonymous with old, extreme, backward, religious, etc. Let the Republican Party stand for the principles on which it was built: a commitment to traditional values.

I can only imagine the number of people who would cast their votes for Republicans if the Republican Party gave up its religious-related causes. In America, religion should never dictate legislation or politics. God’s presence in American traditions was a reflection of a recognized higher order and greater purpose. Let us return to Conservatism in its truest form, and return to these traditional values.

Roe v. Wade has become a cornerstone of our society; marital rights and unions are such a small issue. Let us do away with these topics and remove them from the center of our political discussions. There are so many other issues needing Conservative support and attention.

We are living in a time of great change; to that end, Obama was right. Where will the Republican Party be during these tumultuous times? At the forefront, championing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Will the Republican Party protect our inherent rights and be the vanguard of American traditionalism? Or will the Republican Party be so obstinate and unyielding in its status quo that it will fail to redirect current tides toward a better future? Or even worst, will the Republican Party become so inconsequential and unpopular that it disappears altogether?

In accordance with true American values, the choice is ours. Current Republican leaders and activists alike: our country is being altered. The values of our founders and framers are disappearing. Let us be the change that reintroduces these values to the American public in a way that appeals to them. Let us remake ourselves so that our message can be heard and so that we can inspire America at large to change and return to traditionalism.

The choice is here, and the time is now. Welcome to the Republican Party Makeover.

Tocqueville the Prophet

In 1831, Alexis De Tocqueville visited the United States of America in order to assess the prison system here. During the nine months spent traveling through the US, Tocqueville took note of more than our prisons; he examined the strengths and weaknesses of America. Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, first published in 1833, is a celebrated and prominent work that sets in print the conclusions Tocqueville drew during his time in the US. Fundamentally, Tocqueville’s conclusion was that the US was a successful democracy unparalleled by its European associates.

Even prior to the Civil Rights Movement and the many judicial and legislative statues of the 1900’s that ushered in equality and social welfare, the US was a great nation. Unlike European countries, the United States was built on a foundation of religion for the purpose of building a life better for our children than we, ourselves, had. Moreover, Tocqueville noted the US was blessed with leaders who cared more about their constituents than their party.

In the same breath that he praised the US for its many unique strengths, Tocqueville also spoke forebodingly of the characteristics that could ruin the US, including an excessive love for equality. This seemingly honorable trait could, according to Tocqueville, drive men and women away from the unity and purpose at the core of the country. Instead, people would become increasingly materialistic and concerned with “self.” As equality increases, people begin to believe that they deserve the same wealth as everyone else in their society, despite difference in work ethic and training. Ultimately, the pursuit of self-interested agendas, such as wealth, comes at the cost of liberty.

And look where we are today. The prophetic accuracy of Tocqueville’s warning is frightening. We are a nation in debt; a lazy nation; a nation that criticizes the fundamentals of our society that we once venerated. “In God we trust,” “One nation, under God,” “God who gave us life gave us liberty.” These phrases should inspire people. These phrases are at the root of what makes this country great. We are all equal under God. Without God, under what measure are we equal? Based on society’s current value system, God has been replaced by a measure of wealth. The economy crumbled partially as the result of over spending in our pursuit of equal wealth. Exchanging God for money is not paying off.

Not only has our economy depressed as a result of our new focus, but also our entire value system has been transformed. Latest statistics released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that 40% of infants born in the United States were born to unwed mothers. As a society were are no longer dedicated to creating a complete family unit consisting of two parents (irregardless of gender or race). Are we putting our children first? We are not ensuring that our students succeed in school, as our performance rates continue to plummet. And what have we done to improve the health of our youth? Obesity is become an increasingly pervasive problem among our students.

We are also no longer a religious country. According to the American Religions Identification Survey, the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped by 10% since 1990, and 15% of Americans give no thought to religious identity, whatsoever.

The irony of our current state is that as our quality of life improved, we have become increasingly apathetic and content to be dependent on the government. The government makes too many decisions on our behalf, and the leaders do so with little regard for the best interest of their constituents. Our representatives and government leaders represent the political parties, corporations and interest groups that support them. As a result, the government is influencing free market banking, pursuing universal health care, and creating far too many overly indulgent social welfare programs. In short the government is controlling our destiny.

We Americans have confused liberty with equality, and in doing so, we have surrendered our power to the government. With increased control, the government will make us the same. Government institutions will be our equalizers. But the American way has never before been about equal, as in the same. America has always stood for the right to the same opportunities. We are all free to pursue the same ends; we are not all the same. I want the liberty to be responsible for my own failures and successes. I want the liberty to make my own way- to work for what I want and to earn what I have.

In this vein, I want a political party and a set of leaders capable of inspiring the nation to be better than we are today. To turn back time and get in touch with the unique characteristics that made the US the envy of the world.

We are a country built on the sweat of immigrants, the brilliance of our founders, and the courage of a proud people unafraid to work and daring enough to be better than the rest of the world. Let us not forget from where our power stems, and may we be brave enough today to reclaim our collective heritage and as one people take back the right to control our own destiny.

I Don't Know

I Don’t Know

Clarity was something that did not used to elude me. I knew what I wanted; I knew how to obtain it. Even the world seemed to make more sense. Getting a job, an internship, an opportunity could be virtually guaranteed by satisfying the specified requirements. I knew how to operate in this controlled system. Today, I live life with great uncertainties. Caught between indecision and an increasingly tenuous social, geopolitical and economic environment, I am nearly paralyzed. How do I proceed when I don’t know what I want? Moreover, even if I could identify a particular pursuit, achieving it would be difficult if at all possible.

In trying to focus long enough to compose this blog entry, I am compelled to try to approach my dilemma with logic. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs seems like a decent means of evaluating my life’s deficiencies and drives. Upon assessment, I recognize that I have satisfied my physiological, esteem, and self-actualization needs. Somehow, I have satisfied higher needs without satisfying some of my more basic needs. When it comes to the needs of safety and belonging, I am deficient.

In order to satisfy these unattained needs, I need to determine the appropriate geographic location and field to pursue without compromising my other needs. So how do I determine what motivates me? How do I determine what will enable me to feel secure while allowing me to feel enlightening, accomplished and benevolent? How do I not feel overwhelmed and lost by the realization that a month before turning 25 I am completely unsure about everything? The only thing of which I am sure, is that I want to be a part of something worthwhile; to contribute to something that’s legacy is replete with contributions made and results realized. I want to make a difference and contribute to the positive transformation of our world.

But how do I achieve this? As of now, I just don’t know.

Chiaroscuro and the Bible

I heard a fabulous sermon at services last month, delivered by Rabbi Adir Posey. Rabbi Posey posed the following dilemma: as part of our Jewish heritage, we are told to be happiest, not during the month of our exodus from Egypt, not on the days designed for the coronation of God, but rather during the (Jewish) month of Adar. How is it that we are supposed to be happiest on a month during which so many afflictions and attacks have tormented the Jewish people? Just last year, the Yeshiva Merkaz HaRav was attacked during Adar, leaving five students and three teachers dead. In 1996, 13 were murdered when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb outside of the Dizingoff Center. In Adar, 2002, the bombing of a Jerusalem café left 11 people dead and 54 wounded; in Adar, 2003, another 17 people were murdered and 53 were injured as a result of a suicide bombing of a bus in Haifa. Just today, a terrorist rammed a construction vehicle into a police car and bus, injuring two police officers. How can we be happiest at a time when we have experienced so many horrors and have had so many reasons to grieve?

To resolve this dilemma, Posey, in typical Jewish fashion, asked another question: what was the catalyst for Jethro’s choosing to leave his position of esteem in the pagan world to join the wandering Israelites in the desert? Jethro did not ally himself with the Israelites following the miracles of the Exodus nor following the phenomenon of the splitting of the Red Sea. In fact, Jethro joined the Israelites only after their battle with Amalek. The Amalek militants attacked the Israelite women, children and elderly, and for the first time since their miraculous exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were seen as being vulnerable. In spite of their weakened image and great losses, following the battle with Amalek, the Israelites continued their journey to Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. Posey argued that Jethro was inspired by the commitment of the Israelites to their religious destiny even when armies stronger than their threatened their survival.

Following the miracles of the Exodus story, the Israelites were in a state of complete invincibility. Much like a Monet, the entire future of the Israelites was bright, colorful, and easy to appreciate. In contrast, Posey compared the state of the Israelites after the attack of the Amalek people to a Rembrandt. The master of chiaroscuro, Rembrandt’s paintings were often dark, practically nocturnal. Inset into these dark paintings would be a single candle used to illuminate the entire scene. Even when facing the dangers of Amalek, the Israelites’ commitment to their objectives allowed them to continue pursuing their goals. Their flicker of hope and dedication lit their way and inspired Jethro to join them.

The contrast between light and dark is a theme carried out in all traditions. Literary analysis is replete with the juxtaposition of light and dark imagery. Even Disney films employ this technique to add to their films. Disney antagonists, such as Ursula, Snow White’s stepmother and Jafar, were all dressed in black. Conversely, the protagonists in Disney’s films were always dressed in light and bright colors. Like Disney films, the chiaroscuro technique in art enables the audience to appreciate the light because it is unique in its dark surroundings. Unlike a Monet where colors and brushstrokes are remembers, those who view a Rembrandt remember the light.

In the Jewish month of Adar, the Jewish people celebrate a single day of salvation on the holiday of Purim. On that day, the Jewish people were saved from immanent death and annihilation. Their salvation was not complete. But that single day, surrounded by many days of worry and suffering was all the more remarkable and worthy of celebration.

Today, with the constant threats of a crumbling economy and a strengthening military foe in Iran, it is important to look at the entire picture and recognize that we are living in a period of chiaroscuro. Surrounded by many troubling conditions, there are fragments of light. It is crucial that we recognize these rays of hope, possibility, and goodness in spite of the overall bleakness of today. These precious features will be what allows this period in time to be remembered not as the period of darkness, but as a period remembered for the glimmer of light.

Growing Pains

Even though science has never established evidence to support the correlation between pain and growth, there were many nights in my youth that I suffered from awful pain in my legs. Even if science does not acknowledge its existence, both of my parents did. Those nights during which the backs of my legs were tight and sore, I was experiencing growing pains. Growth, apparently, is sometime accompanied by pain. It makes complete sense to me that growing to the incredible height of 5’2” would be brutal. All great feats are achieved with some struggle and suffering, after all.

And so it is in my 20’s. I continue to experience growing pains. Only these pains no longer pull at the muscle tissue of my legs, rather at the muscle tissue of my heart. These are the growing pains of turning a 5’2” girl into an adult. Had I known that I would come to experience aches such as these, I probably would have resigned myself to stay a child forever. I guess that’s why life does not come with a warning label; it would discourage participation.

This last week has forced me to face truths in others and myself. Greed, insecurity, self-centeredness, untrustworthiness, indiscretion, while my companions and I are all recognized as being laudable people, we are not perfect. Although this conclusion would not surprise most, it does pain me. In spite of the worldly, erudite persona I project, I am naïve and foolish. I assume a level of infallibility in all of my friends. We are human and young and so imperfect, and yet, I have always clung to the belief that my friends are mostly without flaws. I have mistakenly always seen the goodness in my peers without seeing any of the attributes that make them more human, their flaws and weaknesses.

My growth this week has been twofold. Firstly, I have had to face the imperfections in my friends. Secondly, I have had to reevaluate myself and how I respond to their humanness. Instead of allowing errors to mar my vision of my friends, I am working on myself so that I can see both flaw and finery concurrently in the same individuals.

Growing hurts. But like stature, great relationships are borne out of struggles and suffering. And like height, maturation is worth the pain.

Dragons and Rainbows

Historians write that during medieval times, people looked at the world as though it had messages for them. Clinging to myths and legends, people faced the feared darkness of a confounding world, hoping that these myths and stories would shine a glimmer of light in the dark abyss of their world. Myths enabled people with a finite understanding of the world to find both a semblance of reason in a confusing world and sense of purpose. In fact, looking to find reason and purpose drew people to the idea of transcendence, most commonly referred to as spirituality and religion.

Joseph Campbell, renowned scholar and lecturer on mythology, explained that the quest for transcendence was the impetus for the creation of the dragon. According to Campbell, the dragon is the amalgamation of an eagle and serpent. Similar to the Chinese image of Tao, a yang and yin relationship of opposites fusing together to form a complete whole, the dragon is the synthesis of a boundless eagle, always soaring in the spiritual heights, and the serpent, always grounded and bound to the earth. The dragon is a serpent with wings; an earthly being that has transcended the confines of its carnal and temporal state. The dragon is revered because it is a metaphorical representation of the spiritual potentiality of humanity.

While not nearly as popular in mythology and poetry as dragons, the rainbow is an equally transcendent image. Like Campbell, scholar and Kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Kook, believed in the metaphoric power of images. He wrote about the rainbow, first used as a symbol for God’s covenant with man in the Old Testament following the flood that destroyed the entire world. “I will make My covenant with you, and all flesh will never again be cut off by the waters of a flood. This the sign of the covenant that I am placing between Me, you, and ever living creature....I have set My rainbow in the clouds…The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will see it to recall the eternal covenant” (Gen. 9:11-16). To Rabbi Kook, the rainbow in the Old Testament is a metaphor for the awareness of God. In response to mankind’s failed connection with spirituality and devoutness, God infused the world with His ethical guidance; the refraction of light in the rainbow representing the refraction of God’s light in the physical world. In his writing, Kook continues to explain that just as the light of the rainbow could be seen in the clouds, the light of the Divine could be seen in the material and corporal world.

William Wordsworth, in his poem “The Rainbow” also employs the rainbow as a metaphor for transcendence. “My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky: so was it when my life began…I could wish my days to be bound each to each by natural piety.” Wordsworth expresses that we are brought into this world with a reverence for God. When seeing a rainbow, that piety is rekindled. Wordsworth’s hope for himself and mankind is that each day should be infused with this same state of veneration.

Whether inclined to believe in God or a more Kantian transcendence of something beyond the earthly, the lesson of both dragons and rainbows is that humanity needs to strive toward a higher integrity. By attempting to infuse our lives with righteousness, we will be able to give our lives purpose in spite of circumstance-- meaning and worth in spite of situation.

May we be blessed to see many rainbows through the clouds, guiding our transcendental journey toward meaning.

Friends and Finance

My life has been blessed with a myriad of wonderful opportunities and experiences. At the core of many of these amazing encounters has been the presence of incredible people, people that I am lucky to call my friends. Most of my friends fall between the ages of 23 and 27. We are relatively new to the workforce or finishing up our education. We are optimists. Being raised in times of relative prosperity and comfort has made us soft and naïve and very unprepared for our current economic climate. We all assumed that upon entering the workforce we would be overnight successes. Armed with our often expensive, and equally often mediocre educations, we took on the job market and the world.

This last year, and last few months in particular, has been disarming for us all. This dose of reality, known in the media as the economic crisis, has changed our concept of reality. We are not nearly as assured in our ability to conquer the workforce as we had been. Instead, we consider ourselves lucky to be employed. A number of people in my group of friends are now unemployed. We have also learned that we cannot depend on the government. Because of the government, we will probably never see social security and we are becoming further entrenched in debt with every passing day. The one thing that has become apparent during this difficult period is that we can depend on each other.

I do not know if psychological or sociological studies exist studying the impact recessions have on social structures, but I speculate that any such study would reflect that during periods of recession, people become closer and more dependent. Merely as a means of developing connections and pursuing fiscal opportunities, networking becomes increasingly important during more challenging times. Having emotional support during these periods is also a necessity; people need each other. We bolster one another when the economy’s infrastructure bows under the weight of a strained market. In some ways, this is the silver thread that lines all periods of distress.

Especially of late, when so many of us are guilty of distancing ourselves from our surroundings through the use of i-pods and cell phones, the revival of human connection is powerful. When we are forced to cut back on our spending, we exchange new gadgets for picnics with friends, people over property.

Hopefully, as we rejoin humanity on a more personal level, we will exchange ideas, giving rise to a new generation of products and innovations that will generate a rebirth of our economy. Through conversations and relationships we will create a world rich in funds and equally rich in friends.

The Advancement of Anti-Semitism

I remember a debate I had about four years ago with a friend of mine. I saw anti-Israel sentiments as being akin to anti-Semitism. He challenged me saying anti-Israel inclinations are a response to political affiliations and opinions. Conversely, anti-Semitism is flagrant bigotry. I understood his slant, but could not get myself to agree with him that anti-Israel sentiments are valid. To me, anti-Israel persuasions would inevitably lead to anti-Semitism, so how could I sanction his belief?

Recently, anti-Semitism and religious intolerance have become increasingly pervasive across the globe, infiltrating societies in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s survey, released 2/10/2009, nearly a third of the European population blames Jews for the global economic crisis. Currently topping China’s best-seller list is The Currency War, a book describing how the Jews are planning to take over the world by controlling and manipulating the global financial system. In Argentina, anti-Semitic incidences have increased by over 35% since 2006. Even the world’s leaders are promoting intolerance. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, in today’s Washington Post, is being accused of advancing anti-Semitism in Venezuela by continuously singling out the Jews. On a government website, Venezuelans are even told to boycott Jewish owned businesses and seize Jewish-owned property. Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed has said, “The Jews rule the world by proxy.” And just today, UK foreign office diplomat, Rowan Laxton, was arrested for his public anti-Semitic tirade, during which he was heard shouting, “F-king Israelis, f-king Jews.” Some witnesses have claimed that Laxton also lashed out, saying that Israeli soldiers should be wiped off the face of the earth.

I did not want to be right; I wish had I been proved wrong. But now, four years following our friendly debate, the unfolding of history has validated my postulation. Hugo Chavez has incited anti-Semitism through his anti-Israel propaganda. Chavez has assaulted Israel’s reputation with a barrage of incendiary statements, forcing the Israeli ambassador to Venezuela out of the country. The 1/30/2009 attack on the Tiferet Israel Synagogue in Caracas, is said to be a result of Chavez’ anti-Israel doctrine. Similarly, UK diplomat Laxton was incited by his abhorrence of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Hate is festering and proliferating under the guise of anti-Israel, political affiliations. And for the first time in my life, I fear for the safety of Jews throughout the world. As a hub of tolerance and a pillar of humanitarian consciousness, I encourage Americans to get involved and help fight the brewing anti-Semitism. Encourage your friends to look beyond the political climate in the Middle East, and recognize the challenges facing the Jews throughout the world.

In our recent landslide presidential elections, the American people showed that we are ready for change. In that vein, let us work together to change the way that Jews are perceived and treated. Let us affect the world’s conscience because we can!

Senate Approves Stimulus Plan for Squanderers

Great news for the US! The government is going to save and create a combined 4 million jobs through its new stimulus plan. Our economy can undoubtedly benefit from this influx of job opportunities, seeing as how unemployment rates are reaching startling highs. And with the government’s smart spending habits, these 4 million jobs can be guaranteed for the low price of $838 billion!

I’m no expert, but this does not seem to be a good deal for taxpayers. While I acknowledge that the US is in dire need of some economic stimulation, how can the government continue to generate imprudent spending packages? As a country we are already steeped in incredible debt, with the government having incurred nearly $11 trillion in debt as of 2/10/09, about 5.5 times greater than our GDP. Dividing the public debt among all US citizens, each citizen shares in approximately $35,000 of the government’s debt. As a country, we are already facing nearly $3 trillion in personal, consumer debt. It would be irresponsible of the government to continue spending existing and imaginary tax dollars even in a burgeoning economy. But during an economic recession, when an increasing number of taxpayers are finding themselves unemployed and are reducing their spending, there is no excuse for uneconomical and unreasonable spending.

I appreciate that Obama and his administration speak of ensuring full government disclosure and bringing an end to business as usual. But business is as usual on Capitol Hill. We are all witnessing Congress’ continued pork barrel spending and deficient decision-making. How can the Senate justify its actions?

Is the government really blind to their errors? Do they not recognize that with the auto bailout, for example, they virtually threw away $17.4 billion? The government could have allocated that money to fund low interest loans for people looking to finance the purchase of a Ford, GM, or Chevrolet. These low interest loans would have encouraged the purchase of US cars and would have helped the US auto industry generate a positive cash flow. Instead, potential buyers are still unable to finance the purchase of vehicles; US auto manufacturers continue to experience a negative cash flow, and taxpayers owe another $17.4 billion.

Spending money does not solve anything. Spending wisely however, can help stabilize the economy. Too bad no one on the hill seems to be sensible enough to recognize the value of smart spending.

Hello World Wide Web

For years my parents have encouraged me to keep a diary. Neither the sparkly, pastel Lisa Frank diary I received as a seven year old nor the pedantic, leather bound volume I received as I entered adulthood caught my fancy. The idea of concretizing my thoughts in written form has always seemed incredibly daunting and awfully enduring. The pressure of having something more profound to record than how I feel and a list of my daily activities has always been overwhelming. Consequently, I have never kept a diary, but I am able to observe my maturation through the varying styles of journals I keep stashed under my bed.

Over the past few years however, I have found myself attempting to relay my thoughts on current events and contemporary issues to any audience, whether or not the individuals present care to know my opinions on health care reform, Twilight, or the brilliance of the Blackberry. Instead of continuing to express myself to small and sometimes unwilling crowds, I have decided to overcome my fear and put my thoughts into writing.

In blogging, my goals are twofold. Firstly, I hope that by forcing myself to organize my thoughts into comprehensive compositions, I will become better informed and more precise in my beliefs. I also hope that in releasing my thoughts into the vast and global reaches of the internet I can challenge others with my assessments and valuations and perhaps succeed in having some mildly profound influence on the way others view the world.

My successes today are relatively basic: With the help of friends, I have succeeding in formatting my first blog. I have introduced myself to the World Wide Web and I am one post away from sharing my thoughts and contemplations with the world.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to sharing many thoughtemplations with you in the future.
thoughtemplation@gmail.com