. . . by apologizing for the behaviour of your so-called supporters.
McCain shows some class, but it may be a losing battle.
Rumor has it his campaign manager will step down if McCain has to face Obama in November.
More later
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
"One swallow does not make a summer . . . "
From the
"Not-in-my-backyard!"
Corner
Look, it's not one of my favourite sayings, but see if you can find anything more appropriate. I bet you can't!
You see, those folks who think SUV's are the car of the present, and the future, who think Al Gore has less direction than a headless chicken, after one colder-than-average winter, they want to declare a new Ice Age.
So that's why I say, "One cold winter doesn't make an ice age", just like "One swallow doesn't make a summer." Maybe we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch! Or is it "Look before you leap?"
Then again, maybe they have a point. I mean, right now nothing is cooling quite as fast as the US economy! I hear the Canadians are sitting smugly by their electric fires, drinking gluvine and enjoying the lowest unemployment since Watergate! (See my letter to Time, or my letter in Time! ) It seems when things get bad here, the Canadians enjoy an upswing. Could there be something behind it? Or should I say, "Could their something be behind it?" You know, like "responsive government?" I'm only asking . . .
But let's be honest. When it comes to recession, we need to consult an expert. Let's ask Mr Greenspan who's to blame for this impending recession? I mean, he got it right the last time!
In the meantime, there is Trouble in Toyland. Monopoly has become embroiled in the piece process in the Middle East, and the touchy issue of the final status of Jerusalem. (Do not pass go, Do not collect $200?) I think its time we extended the boycott of Fisher Price to Parker Brothers. (Now that's what I call - "No Parking!")
And now Hillary is circulating pictures of Obama in a turban: now that is scary. Not Obama in the turban, but Hillary stooping to send the picture round by email. Now I've heard of Desperate Dan, could this be Hysterical Hillary? By the way, if you're looking for a good investment now that Romney's packed it in, I hear the market is bullish on Spoilers!
Actually, Hillary's not the only one worried about Obama. There seem to be lots of people buying stock in cotton balls, they're so scared Barack might win the nomination and the presidency. Some people worry that he will turn us all into Canadians - which doesn't seem so bad to me. I always said that Canada is just like the US, except it has a filter.
And for the record, Feb 20th was the Forum's 2nd anniversary. L'Chayim!
You see, those folks who think SUV's are the car of the present, and the future, who think Al Gore has less direction than a headless chicken, after one colder-than-average winter, they want to declare a new Ice Age.
So that's why I say, "One cold winter doesn't make an ice age", just like "One swallow doesn't make a summer." Maybe we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch! Or is it "Look before you leap?"
Then again, maybe they have a point. I mean, right now nothing is cooling quite as fast as the US economy! I hear the Canadians are sitting smugly by their electric fires, drinking gluvine and enjoying the lowest unemployment since Watergate! (See my letter to Time, or my letter in Time! ) It seems when things get bad here, the Canadians enjoy an upswing. Could there be something behind it? Or should I say, "Could their something be behind it?" You know, like "responsive government?" I'm only asking . . .
But let's be honest. When it comes to recession, we need to consult an expert. Let's ask Mr Greenspan who's to blame for this impending recession? I mean, he got it right the last time!
In the meantime, there is Trouble in Toyland. Monopoly has become embroiled in the piece process in the Middle East, and the touchy issue of the final status of Jerusalem. (Do not pass go, Do not collect $200?) I think its time we extended the boycott of Fisher Price to Parker Brothers. (Now that's what I call - "No Parking!")
And now Hillary is circulating pictures of Obama in a turban: now that is scary. Not Obama in the turban, but Hillary stooping to send the picture round by email. Now I've heard of Desperate Dan, could this be Hysterical Hillary? By the way, if you're looking for a good investment now that Romney's packed it in, I hear the market is bullish on Spoilers!
Actually, Hillary's not the only one worried about Obama. There seem to be lots of people buying stock in cotton balls, they're so scared Barack might win the nomination and the presidency. Some people worry that he will turn us all into Canadians - which doesn't seem so bad to me. I always said that Canada is just like the US, except it has a filter.
And for the record, Feb 20th was the Forum's 2nd anniversary. L'Chayim!
PS - on a more serious note, here is some material on Obama and Israel that is worth reviewing.
For more on politics in the Forum:
see "Political Fan mail" where I first presented my letter to Time!
and "Caring for the Health of our Politics"
Sunday, February 24, 2008
New WAM plans special Shabbat!
Zevi Goldberg and his wife, Michal, will be joining the New West Ashley Minyan this Shabbat. Everyone is invited and a schedule of events is listed below.
In addition, Michal and Zevi will be available for individual study sessions.
Schedule of events:
Friday night, 8:30 pm-until you leave, at 1870 Cat Tail Row: Join us for a L'chaim and pareve sweets welcoming Michal and Zevi to Charleston.
Saturday: A special D'var Torah will be delivered by Zevi during services at the JCC.
Saturday:3:45-4:45 pm: Women's class with Michal, topic TBA, at private home, 1 Brabant Street (off Ashley Hall Road).
Saturday:5:00 pm: Special early mincha with a class given by Zevi during shalosh seudos.
Sunday:12:00 noon Picnic at Charles Towne Landing: Bring Your Own Lunch. Michal and Zevi will present brief divrei Torah before we bid them farewell. The picnic is open to the community, but in order to be included in the group rate ($4 adult, $3 child over 5) you must be there at noon sharp. Rain location JCC.
In addition, Michal and Zevi will be available for individual study sessions.
Schedule of events:
Friday night, 8:30 pm-until you leave, at 1870 Cat Tail Row: Join us for a L'chaim and pareve sweets welcoming Michal and Zevi to Charleston.
Saturday: A special D'var Torah will be delivered by Zevi during services at the JCC.
Saturday:3:45-4:45 pm: Women's class with Michal, topic TBA, at private home, 1 Brabant Street (off Ashley Hall Road).
Saturday:5:00 pm: Special early mincha with a class given by Zevi during shalosh seudos.
Sunday:12:00 noon Picnic at Charles Towne Landing: Bring Your Own Lunch. Michal and Zevi will present brief divrei Torah before we bid them farewell. The picnic is open to the community, but in order to be included in the group rate ($4 adult, $3 child over 5) you must be there at noon sharp. Rain location JCC.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Caring for the Health of our Politics
There are many ways to pick a candidate. You can be devoted to your party or your people, you can pick your pocket or your heart. To quote Paul Simon, there must be 50 ways to . . .
Democracy is about YOUR RIGHT to do as you freely choose, but the real test that life presents us is the challenge to make good choices! Good, yes, but who defines the good?
One of the perspectives I have taken in regard to community issues in this forum is that maintaining the health of political processes is crucial. If an organization's processes are allowed or induced to decay, the consequences are bad for the "people" whom the organization is supposed to serve! This is plain common sense. The principle of maintaining healthy political processes is as fundamental and wholesome as grits.
How does this apply to our national politics?
For one, it is the responsibility of the major parties to present the nation with decent candidates for the highest office in the country. McCain is a fine candidate (he was even finer in 2000), and both Obama and Clinton have stature. This is good for the country. Cast your mind back over the last 20-or-so years, and ask whether those decades were as good as we are getting now? My contention is that from the time the Republicans gave us an actor (from the B movie list, no less), politics has been decidedly on the wrong track. We finally have a chance to put that right.
Now, given the tight primary run-off for the Dems, we are hearing about "super" delegates and how they are free to do what they want. Well, in truth, they need to do what is best, not for themselves as individuals, or their vested interests. They need to do what will have the best effect for the health of our nation's politics. Overriding the general notion that the rules matter, will have terrible consequences. The central pillars of democracy are justice and the rule of law. Turn these over, and it will be a sucker punch to our mutual goodwill.
This ain't rocket science, folks, just common sense.
Now I happen to think that the candidate with the greatest ability to unite this country, and to provide the leadership this country needs to provide the influence for good in the world is Barack Obama.
The big questions that people have about him are: experience and Israel?
In regard to experience, I prefer senators / congressmen as candidates for president to governors, mayors and businessmen. Why? We are talking about being a "President" - being presidential. We are talking about class - world class! We need someone to lead the world.
And here is where I turn down Hillary Clinton, as good as she is with all the specifics. We need a world leader without all sorts of baggage ( you know, like wonky distractions from a controversial past-president as your spouse! Rush and company do not need another go at the carnival shooting gallery, ok?)
So, what about Obama and Israel? My position is simple: choose right for America, and the world will be a better place. And if the world is better for America, it's better for Israel too.
But just in case you want to see something in writing, here is a link to a piece from Ha'Aretz.
For more, check out Rosner's blog on Obama, also on the Ha'Aretz web page.
and remember how Hillel framed our responsibilities:
"If I am not for myself, who is for me?
And if I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?"
As ever,
Shalom
Update: 2-24-08 Attended the talk given by Linda Gradstein at the College of Charleston earlier today. She fielded some questions after the meeting, including saying that there was no particular fear in Israel about Barack Obama. All they say is that he is new on the political seen, and is relatively unknown.
More perhaps later.
Democracy is about YOUR RIGHT to do as you freely choose, but the real test that life presents us is the challenge to make good choices! Good, yes, but who defines the good?
One of the perspectives I have taken in regard to community issues in this forum is that maintaining the health of political processes is crucial. If an organization's processes are allowed or induced to decay, the consequences are bad for the "people" whom the organization is supposed to serve! This is plain common sense. The principle of maintaining healthy political processes is as fundamental and wholesome as grits.
How does this apply to our national politics?
For one, it is the responsibility of the major parties to present the nation with decent candidates for the highest office in the country. McCain is a fine candidate (he was even finer in 2000), and both Obama and Clinton have stature. This is good for the country. Cast your mind back over the last 20-or-so years, and ask whether those decades were as good as we are getting now? My contention is that from the time the Republicans gave us an actor (from the B movie list, no less), politics has been decidedly on the wrong track. We finally have a chance to put that right.
Now, given the tight primary run-off for the Dems, we are hearing about "super" delegates and how they are free to do what they want. Well, in truth, they need to do what is best, not for themselves as individuals, or their vested interests. They need to do what will have the best effect for the health of our nation's politics. Overriding the general notion that the rules matter, will have terrible consequences. The central pillars of democracy are justice and the rule of law. Turn these over, and it will be a sucker punch to our mutual goodwill.
This ain't rocket science, folks, just common sense.
Now I happen to think that the candidate with the greatest ability to unite this country, and to provide the leadership this country needs to provide the influence for good in the world is Barack Obama.
The big questions that people have about him are: experience and Israel?
In regard to experience, I prefer senators / congressmen as candidates for president to governors, mayors and businessmen. Why? We are talking about being a "President" - being presidential. We are talking about class - world class! We need someone to lead the world.
And here is where I turn down Hillary Clinton, as good as she is with all the specifics. We need a world leader without all sorts of baggage ( you know, like wonky distractions from a controversial past-president as your spouse! Rush and company do not need another go at the carnival shooting gallery, ok?)
So, what about Obama and Israel? My position is simple: choose right for America, and the world will be a better place. And if the world is better for America, it's better for Israel too.
But just in case you want to see something in writing, here is a link to a piece from Ha'Aretz.
For more, check out Rosner's blog on Obama, also on the Ha'Aretz web page.
and remember how Hillel framed our responsibilities:
"If I am not for myself, who is for me?
And if I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?"
As ever,
Shalom
Update: 2-24-08 Attended the talk given by Linda Gradstein at the College of Charleston earlier today. She fielded some questions after the meeting, including saying that there was no particular fear in Israel about Barack Obama. All they say is that he is new on the political seen, and is relatively unknown.
More perhaps later.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Political fan mail . . . and Happy Presidents' Day to Y'all too!
Like I said just a moment ago, it's great to be on a winning team! In fact, with Obama and McCain leading their respective primaries, the country is the real "winning team".
As a fan of politics, schooled by Chris Matthews and the in's and out's of BSBI, I have not been very productive during this exciting primary season. I apologize profusely, especially to myself.
Not that you are short of interesting political coverage, but I should at least throw my hat in the ring!
Actually, Stewart and Colbert are still my favorite providers of incisive political updates. I read Time, and every now and then one of their articles gets me all shook up.
Take this one, from the "Curious Capitalist" on the question of presidents and the economy: Do presidents matter? (As improbable as it may seem, this is clearly not a question limited only to BSBI!)
To which I wrote the following letter . . .
. . . and got a complimentary reply.
Letter to Time: The Curious Reader
Do Presidents Matter? asked Justin Fox, the Curious Capitalist (Feb 28).
In Canada, unemployment is at record lows, exports are in demand, there is no hint of a subprime mortgage crisis nor any signs of recession. This in a country with higher taxes than the US and universal health care to boot. In UN quality-of- life surveys Canada beats the US by miles. Canada, it seems, has struck a balance: that is, government is responsible to collect taxes and to provide necessary services and distribute them fairly. In contrast, the US has Reaganite Republican dogma, corporate welfare, tax cuts for the wealthy, and the decimation of public services and infrastructure. Further, the Republicans left corporate America without the
necessary oversights, leading to job out-sourcing and financial collapses like Enron, MCI and now the mortgage crisis. Indeed, it matters what presidents do!
P Rosenthal Charleston SC
ps do you really pay for people to write such pap?
____________________________________________
and the reply?
Dear TIME Reader,
Thank you for writing. We welcome timely, insightful reactions to material we have published, and we can assure you that your observations found an attentive audience among the editors. Should your comments be selected for the column, you will be notified in advance of publication. Again, our thanks for letting us hear from you. We hope that you will write again should you discover something of particular interest in the news or in our reporting of it.
Best wishes,
TIME Letters
_____________________________________
PPS - The Forum Editor will keep you posted!
Update 2-24-08: Time published the letter with minor changes and, naturally, they left out the barbs. See the follow up piece to this, and follow all the links, back and forth.
Monday, February 04, 2008
fun to be on a winning team . . . . AGAIN!
As an ingrained supporter of sporting underdogs, I was rooting for the Giants on Sunday, and Eli Manning pulled out a miracle! If you missed the play where Manning barely scrambled out of the Patriots' clutches, and shot a high pass up the middle, and his team mate caught it against his helmet!
Well, then you missed something . . . .
Now, from Super Sunday, to Super Tuesday. Let's see if we're on a winning team again?
Well, then you missed something . . . .
Now, from Super Sunday, to Super Tuesday. Let's see if we're on a winning team again?
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