For What Will George W. Bush Be Most Remembered?

After hearing a particularly stimulating lecture today by author Gore Vidal, I began to think about all of the acts that have occurred during this President's administration, and wondered, what, if anything will be his legacy? So much has happened during these past six years, that I will attempt to sum up what stands out most in my mind. With a popularity rate at an all time low of less than 32 percent, by some national polls, it is time to take a look again at this President and his administration. As many of you know, I had enough of this man when this blog just began.(please see some of my first posts last April and May, and thereafter.)

Much stands out in the way of acts by Bush. Many of us remember his reaction to the tragedy of 9/11, and how he vowed that this country would be prepared for any such future acts if indeed they were to take place on U.S. soil. Others may look at how Bush invaded Afghanistan, kept troops there, and then went into Iraq, spending billions of dollars and loosing many American and Iraqi lives, his mission, to be to spread democracy to a country that really had very little to do with the United States. At first, Bush said there were WMD, and then none were found. Then of course, there was the time when he tried to pass an Amendment to the United States Constitution claiming that marriage was a union between a man and a woman. Bush also tried to intervene in the Terri Shavo case, making it clear that the law was meant for those other than himself, since he, after all, is President. We have the spy programs, the leaks of CIA agents, the resignation of Colin Powell, and of course numerous hurricanes that made their way across the Gulf Coast, and a President who failed to act for many days thereafter.

These acts affect us Americans, at least in some small way or another, but there is one act that has impacted on each and every American, rich, poor, smart or not so, urban or suburban, and that is that the price of gas during this President's administration has gone to more than $3.00 per gallon. Every single one of us is touched, in some way or another by the spiraling price of gasoline at the pump.

This President is a sleepwalker, he makes his presence felt in a big way, leaving us all hanging on at the other end wondering why he lacks a clear vision of what is really going on today.

Which act do you think Bush will be most remembered for and why?

Thank you for your minds.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Why It is Important for 2006

EDITED:

Today is a special day in more ways than one. For one, April 23rd marks the one year anniversary of the beginning of this blog. Although time consuming, blogging has been a blessing in that it has allowed me to express some of my deepest, most provocative thoughts, while at the same time, receiving feedback, and meeting some very interesting people while in the process of doing so. Today is also one in which there is a special ceremony and commeroration observing Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day which takes place officially on April 25,2006.

Since many of you can see that I have been attacked by some unpleasant people on my blog, I have, taken the advice of a fellow blogger, and enabled the comments, which means that I must approve them before they are posted. I am sorry if this is an inconvenience to some, but these steps were necessary in light of the events that transpired below. Moreover, I want others to comment on Yom HaShoah, and feel that it is unnecessary to allow for no comments whatsoever.

Each and every year, we make an effort to go to these events, to remember those who perished during the Holocaust.. Today, there are commerative events to remember those who perished and were killed by the hands of the Nazis. It is also a time to celebrate the lives of those individuals who survived these horrors. Six million Jews were killed during this time, and countless others who were considered to be inferior in the eyes of the Nazis, including those who suffered from mental illness, homosexuals, and gypsies.

This is a time, in this year, when the memories of the Holocaust loom extremely large, and when the words, 'Never Forget' must be taken at their literal value. We face a government today, a President of Iran, who believes that Israel should be wiped off the map, and has given Hamas, a group of militants who believe in the extermination of Jews and destruction of the State of Israel, who holds power in Israel today. Knowing that these individuals are enemies does not make their statements nor positions any less meaningful, and for me, I take seriously the threats made by Iran's President,and those by Hamas towards Israel and the United States.

This is a very disturbing time in our world. Fundamentalist hate groups seem to be cropping up, more and more, which is exacerbated by extremely high gas prices, and a state of our own union, which appears to go from one calamity to another. The United States, in my opinion, will at some point be matched in technology, science and resources by China, and our country, which is currently in debt from the Iraq war and the hurricane disasters, needs to take a serious look at our relations with other nations and act in a diplomatic or harsh sense, if and when indicated.

If for some reason you are able to participate in an activity in your city to commerate Holocaust Remembrance Day, please do so. These are heart-warming and wrenching events, and one which will give deep meaning to you, and at the same time honor those who perished during these terrible years. Moreover, it will keep fresh in the minds of all, that we must Never Forget.


“When my life is over and I meet up with victims of the Holocaust, I shall have the privilege of saying to them, I have never forgotten you.” — Simon Wiesenthal

Thank you for your minds.

Happy Birthday Astro....

Today, my beloved golden retriever, Astro, would have turned 13 years old. He passed away on February 6, 2006, almost two months ago. It is the still the case that I miss my most beloved friend dearly, and think about him often, about the wonderful companion he was to me, and how much he is truly missed. I think about him often, especially on Friday nights, when we have Shabbath dinner, and imagine that he is still waiting there for his piece of challah.

When I woke up this morning, I remembered it was his birthday, and how special Astro was to me, and how much he is missed in our home. His absence leaves a definite hole inside my heart.

From what I have been told, Astro is frolicking around at the Rainbow Bridge with some of your own beloved furry friends, who also brought love, light and joy into your lives. Your memory will not fade, Astro, and I was so very lucky to have you light up my life.

Happy Birthday, baby!!

Music

Last night, I heard the most incredible concert, an all Rachmaninoff program. My heart fluttered, my eyes teared, and my soul caught fire, as I heard this composer who has captured my ear, heart and soul for more than 30 years. What a magical night, to be repeated again this weekend...

"What is music? How can one define it? Music is a calm moonlit night, a rustling of summer foliage. Music is the distant pearl of bells at eventide. Music is born only of the heart and it appeals to the heart. It is love. The sister of music is poetry and the mother- sorrow...Music, I have always felt, should be the expression of a composer's complex personality. A composer's music should express the country of his birth, his love affairs, his religion, the books that have influenced him, the pictures he loves. It should be the sum of a composer's experiences."
Sergei Rachmaninoff

Thank you for your minds.

Why Jews Turn Away From Judaism

As you can see from these contenious comments, there are a few Jews who continue to be degrading, mean and hostile towards one another. Somehow, they think that by their actions, they are calling an individual to action, to be more observant,when in reality, they are turning them against the very idea and cause that they seek to embrace.

My original post sought to honor those who perished during the Holocaust. Since there remain a few who have no respect for others, including those who died during the Holocaust, and demean and defile their names, by nasty, unnecessary comments, I am changing this post, and the post to honor and commemerate those who died during the Holocaust will be posted above, as a loving memory.

Because of these nasty comments, and the actions of these few below, I feel as if I want to be less of Jew rather than more of one. Have you heard the saying, be careful what you wish for? If this is an example of being a good Jew, then I would rather turn away from my own people. All my love that was beginning to surface from my religion, has begun to decay. Beginning this Friday, I will no longer be lighting Shabbath candles.

Thank you for your minds.

To Carry or not to Carry? What's In a Shopping Bag

The post I originally sought out for today, I will save for Sunday, and this may be a first, but I am posting on a less serious, but still well thought out topic: shopping bags.

These past couple of months, I have been on a shopping extravaganza. The other day, a woman told me that she loved my bracelet. I told her, this is not one bracelet, but five, different colored ones with those fascinating and protective evil eyes. My friend, who was standing there said to me, one is just not enough for you, I guess. I chuckled, and thought, that about sums up who I am: one of anything is not ever enough!

Shopping has been varied over this month, and the purchases have included everything from clothing, to jewerly, perfumes, shoes, and other personal items that are needed since being back in the public work force. At times, I will make purchases on-line, but more often than not, the most enjoyable experiences come from going inside of stores, and carrying out their bags.

Have you ever stopped to notice shopping bags? They come in all colors, textures, even themes and advertisements gleam and glassine their exterior. For example, Bloomingdales has a bag that is called "The Little Brown Bag." Barneys of New York, has one of my favorite bags, a sleek black, with double roped handles, and these are good for storage afterwards. Then you have the plastic bag with a bull's eye from Target, that is also noteworthy.

Do you have a favorite shopping bag?

As a side note, I have turned over all the credit cards and checkbooks to my husband again, in an attempt to keep us out of bankruptcy.

What Should We Do About Iran?

Yesterday, it was announced that Iran gave $50 million dollars to Hamas in retaliation to the United States and the European Nation freezing the assets of the group, who wants to destroy Israel.

It seems abundantly clear to me that Iran, with a population of more than 30 million people, is out on a mission, which includes the destruction of the State of Israel: Here is an article proving this point.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=
/news/2006/04/16/Hamas&sSheet=
/portal/2006/04/16/ixportaltop.html

The President of Iran hold delusions of grandeur, and is not afraid of anyone, or any country, and from my perspective reminds me of a modern day Hitler. Like this horrific terror of a man, he too wants to destroy all of the Jews, with the inclusion of the United States as one of its targets as well. It is clearly his goal to destroy Israel, as we have heard in his statements, and see in his latest gesture of financial aid to Hamas.

Here are some of the questions of the day: Is the United States partially to blame for helping to overthrow the Shah of Iran, whose country now is largely made up of fundamentalists with the capacity to create World War III? Should the United States be prepared to go in and attack Iran, and if so, how will we, as a country be able to financially handle it since our hand is deeply placed inside the pockets of Iraq, where not only have billions of dollars been spent, but thousands of people, both Americans and Iraqis have been killed?

Thank you for your minds.

A Contemplative Note

It is difficult to believe that this is my 400th post! What does this say? In many ways, it can attest to the time and energy I have put into blogging, as well as the need to write and let all of my feelings come across on paper. What a joy's outlet writing can be, since it is a tool which can make us aware of so many different facets of our lives. We can see what we have, where we are lacking, what we should feel grateful for, where we should put our efforts to strive to be better, and how and in what manner we are blessed, that there is something good and enjoyable to be found inside even the smallest, little everyday events. I for one, have met some wonderful individuals in blogsville, and it has been such a great pleasure to share your minds and many thoughts.

Today is a new day for me, and also a new beginning. Each day, in fact is a new beginning, where we can strive to better ourselves, become more joyful and have better, more positive experiences open up to us on a daily basis.

Thank you for your minds.

Busy and Blessed

These past few weeks have been completely chaotic, and each day becomes busier than the next. Since I have gone back to working in court, my at home time is much less, and I have to prepare cases, make phone calls and write letters, leaving very little time for blogging. Couple this schedule with Passover tomorrow, and this week has gone from busy to busier.

Nevertheless, I feel good and blessed at least for today. My son is coming home for Pesach, we will all four of us be here with family and friends. Having one's children leave home is good, on the one hand, and on the other leaves that empty feeling. So this Passover will be unique from other years, since not only will we all be together, but Astro will not be here for a Seder, the first time in 13 years.

It has always been my philosophy to enjoy each moment, as it exists, since life can change in an instant, at any time, and one must be grateful for what one has, including family, friends, jobs, each and every breath, and the existence of one's people. My wish is that there be peace in Israel, and although we say, "Next year in Jerusalem, it is my hope that this year, we can leave freely and securely, prosper and thrive, and all be well.

Chag Semeach to all who celebrate Passover. May your sedars be meaningful. For my non-Jewish friends, Happy Easter, and Happy Spring. May each day, as it unfolds illuminate what is before you so that the light within can burn and sparkle brightly.....

Thank you for your minds.

Three Cheers to My Daughter

This post is dedicated to the tenacity and determination of my daughter. As many know, from my prior posts, she was ill for awhile, and had to move home and leave school. Today, thank God, she is so much better, and yesterday, she resumed a new quarter at the university, to continue her studies.

Although one may rejoice at his/her own achievements and accomplishments, it is those of one's children, which ultimately, speak the loudest, at least in my humble opinion.

Thank you for your minds.

Immigration & Outsourcing: How do We Reconcile the Two?

Alright, now I will return to one of my favorite topics, which lies in the realm of politics. Since Bush's approval ratings are at an all time low, and this country is loosing confidence with him and his decision to invade Iraq, I will turn to another issue which is close to my heart, here in California, immigration.

It is clearly the case that California has many immigrants, some of whom are here legally, and others illegally. This state is one giant melting pot, with Mexicans, Indians, Asians, Africans, and others from the Middle East. Since we are so close to the boarder of Mexico, there is an issue about those who migrate here and stay illegally. In fact, there is talk that it would be made a felony for those who are here illegally, and most likely, deportation would result. The issue is complicated, as corporate America realizes that there are not many who would perform the jobs and India the labor that many of our immigrants do here in California.

Many of you know that I am a very deep thinker, and what has surfaced, at least for my thinking, is how corporate America has begun to out-source many of their jobs to places like India, China, Thailand, etc. In an attempt to procure cheap labor.

Is there a contradiction between our position on immigration and the outsourcing of jobs outside of America? How do you reconcile the two?

On a side note, this Saturday, April 8th., would have been my beloved Astro's 13th birthday.

Thank you for your minds.

Are Some Ultra-Religious Jews Snobs?

First of all, let me wish all of my fellow Jews, a Chag Semeach, and a good yontif. This is how we tell each other, Happy Holidays, and since it Passover continues, it applies today. Chag Sameach literally translates to "Happy Holidays."

As I have been contemplating the meaning of Peseach, I have been asking myself the question, whether some very religious Jews are snobbs. What I mean by this, is that if one is not as religious as he/she may be, they do not greet you, wish you a happy holiday, or send you any type of wishes when Shabbos descends upon us on Friday evening. Has it become the case that one of a Jew's worst enemies is another Jew?

I say with complete seriousness. My husband and I watched a wonderful movie the other day called, Ushpizin. Set in Israel, it was about the plight of a very religious family, who lived inside a frum onclave inside of Jerusalem. It was sucot and some other Jews from the main character's past (he had made a transformation) came to visit and although different, they were welcomed, treated well, and fed by this relgious Jew. It was they conclusion that this was not only their obligation, but that their own dedication to their religion was being tested.

Consequently, I have thought about this question I pose above. This is something that I myself have encountered, even when walking down the street on Shabbos in a very religious neighborhood. Do they think their schmekel will fall off if they send another less religious Jew greetings? Does the same hold true in the 'neighborhood' of blogsville? The Rebbe would accept any Jew, religious or not so, and send greetings and good tidings, in the hopes of making them better Jews. But are Jews who shun less religious Jews, either by good deed or good thoughts, turning them away from rather than towards Judaism? The Torah does not distinguish one type of Jew from another, nor does the Talmud to my knowledge. A Jew is someone whose mother was Jewish, period. So why is it that some who are more religious feel the need to put other non-relgious Jews down, or even worse, not wish them a Happy Holiday or a good Shabbos?

Thank you for your minds.

Adultery and Jewish Law: From a Woman's Perspective

Most of this morning, I have been having a discussion regarding the meaning of certain words as used in the Torah and the Talmud. Such dialogue prompted me to analyze the definition of adultery according to Jewish law, especially from a woman's perspective.

According to the Jewish law, only when the woman involved is married, is adultery committed. If the male alone is married, and he has sex with a single female, this does not constitute adultery according to Jewish law. The Ten Commandments include a prohibition against adultery, defined in the book of Leviticus, along with the stipulation that both "the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death. (Leviticus. (20:10)

This 'loophole' has been known to serve as a justficiation for some men to have extra-marital affairs, and still claim that they are not committing adultery according to Jewish law. (halacha)
But why is this the case, and what prevents women from standing up and asserting that this type of double standard does not make much sense from the point of view of fairness, which is supposed to be the threshold of Jewish law?

To me, it is only fair that women, like men be well versed in the Talmud and Jewish law. If this is indeed the core of our heritage, why should we not be conversant in it and be able to engage in discourse as well?

But this entire discussion, which seems to define adultery according to the marital status of the woman, does not ask another question, which, may bear some significance on the issue: what if the woman, who was married did not engage in a ceremony according to that set forth in the Torah? Is she considered to be legally married? If she strays, will her acts constitute adultery? What about those of her husband? Will the punishment be death for both the man and the woman?

What made this issue so interesting to me was one that was discussed in an issue of Jewsweek wherein it was concluded that if a woman, before marriage, took a ritual bath (a mikva), before intercourse, her act would not be considered a violation of the Torah. Here is the article (click under the you are my concuibine) :

http://www.jewsweek.com/bin/en.jsp?enDispWho=Article%5El2007&enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat

The article I quote above deals with a very different situation, but nevertheless one which made this issue significant for me to think about today.

Why should we, as women, accept a standard different from that which is imposed upon men? Is it not fair to give the woman the same status as the man, i.e., why would it not be considered adultery if a woman had intercourse with a man who was not married?

The article I quote above deals with a very different situation, but nevertheless one which made this issue significant for me.

Thank you for your minds.

One Cannot Live on Bad News Forever

As we look around us, it is easy to seep down into uncomfortable place, and want to stay away from the matters of the world, especially at the present time. The United States has been inside of Iraq for way too long, too many lives have been lost, and a great price has been paid. We are still recovering from the horrible damage caused by several hurricanes in the Gulf Coast last year. The prices of gas are at a record high: almost $3.25 per gallon, and growing here, due to so many factors, supply, demand, and maybe even a little price gouging. We have a President whose popularity is at an all time low, and sinking down further and further day by day. There is a mad-man in power in Iran, threatening to stock-pile nuclear weapons, and has a wish to wipe Israel off the state of the map. Hamas, an organization committed to the elimination of the State of Israel, won the election, and dealing with this difficult group diplomaticly has become difficult, to say the least. What a gloomy picture of the world, we all say.

We are in a time to change the atmosphere in which we life, either by perception, acts or deeds. One cannot live on bad news forever. The mind, body and soul need a break, and in spite of the black clouds that may hover above, we must stay positive, and keep an attitude of gratitude, and believe that there is brightness and light, even in the mist of gloom. It is now time for a positive attitude, good will, and a bit of cheer. Ultimately, life, and what is is really about, may be based more on our attitudes towards ourselves and our fellow humans than anything else.

Thank you for your minds.

A Meditation on the Meaning of What Makes Us Human

It is profoundly apparent, at least by now, my blog, from my own perspective, presents more questions about life, love and their meaning than it does answers. As one grows older, it is clearly the case that the question regarding, what is the meaning of life, and what does it mean to grow older, live happy and at peace will begin to surface.

These philosophical inquiries can be put into better perspective perhaps with some concrete examples. About 15 years ago, I had a dear friend (well, she is still my dear friend, so present tense is more accurate) who sought lots of excitement, adventure and chaos in her life. She was beautiful, with a sense of adventure that was intoxicating. Never afraid to try anything extra-ordinary, she would take risk after risk, in an attempt to give her life meaning. Then one day, out of the blue, in an instant, her life changed. She developed a tumor on her spine, resulting in partial paralyzes. Not only was her physical mobility changed, but so was everything about life, which took a completely different twist in search of the truth. Today, her life is completely different, and I have seen her be completely joyful and serene with the simple tasks of daily life.

For me, when my daughter became ill, life itself, as I knew it changed completely. The illness of a child can cause the worst of all possible pains, but it can also be a time for the greatest of all possible growths. It finally prepared me to address some of the universal questions about life and its meaning that we all crave to fulfill us: what does it mean to be happy? What does it mean to do good? What in our lives is ultimately meaningful? What did we think was important that no longer seems so in the context of having a quiet mind and a peaceful heart?

Although the answers to these questions are by no means complete, at least for today, they are more solidified, so that as I move forward, and life is put in perspective, I can do so with the knowledge that I must challenge myself to take an active role in creating and defining my own life.

Thank you for your minds.

April First, a.k.a., April Fool's Day

Perhaps many would be surpised to know that I am quite a prankster. This quality, I must confesss, has tempered, although not disappeared completely with age. My pranks were many, and included putting a worm from a bottle of mescal (an extremely potent alcohol drink found in Oaxaca, Mexico, mind you, this was in the drinking days) into friends food, and having them discover it with complete surprise, plotting and taking teacher's luches and eating them even in high school, making numerous prank telephone calls, and on one April Fool's day, making a call, telling my mother that I was the police and my brother was found dead. (today, I know that this was not one of my finer moments.) Of course, all of these shanagians were in the name of fun and entertainment, which are still held close to my heart. It comes as no suprise then, when last week, my dear friend called and told me that she was tired of her mother-in-law asking her for money. She called a casket company and asked how much one would cost, including the shipping. When the man at the other end said, 'I am sorry for your loss,' she replied, with a deadpan voice, 'the person is not dead yet...I know that a casket is something everone will need, eventually!"

So today, on that day of ultimate pranks, please tell me some of your better or more outlandish ones, either done on April Fool's day, or at other times.

On a side note, today is the birthday of the beloved Sergei Rachmaninoff, who would have been 126 years old. Happy Birthday to you Rachmaninoff!

Thank you for your minds.