It was Hate, Not You Tube.

Tyler Clementi was an innocent young man, a college student at Rutgers, whose privacy was violated in such an audacious and despicable manner that he felt he had no choice but to jump. The debate over the cause of his suicide is raging. Many feel that the age of social networking and an unrestrained internet have reduced us to frivolous, superficial beings engaging in reckless, careless actions. Others believe that open communication and high tech pursuits have opened up the world and brought us together. No matter what side of the debate you are on, do not confuse Tyler's death with that discussion. One thing killed him....HATE. For thousands of years, no matter what mode of communication existed..the printing press or youtube, people have jumped because of hate. Our world has always had hatemongers, people whose ignorance and bigotry is blind to tolerance and acceptance. Pharoahs who hated Hebrews, Whites that have hated blacks, Christians that have hated Muslims, straights who hate gays, this has been history. One could argue that tolerance and acceptance has been on the rise over the past generations and I will accept that, but still, today, there is hate and bigotry out there that makes a person like Tyler Clementi kill himself. Tyler may have believed that those in his life, whose acceptance he valued may have been too distraught, perhaps making it untenable for him to go on. I don't know, I am not a psychiatrist and I did not know him, but as his parents and others mourn his loss, don't blame youtube or facebook or the internet, blame hate. Blame the people such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh and Laura Schlessinger who in this country fuel this kind of homophobic and bigoted and ignorant hatred. Sadly, the wrong person jumped. Let Tyler's death not be in vain. Let us learn from this sad experience and tragic loss. It is hate, not youtube. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Never too old.

It is fair to say that as a burgeoning man in the early 70s, my left leaning self was shaped by many influences, among them the "Village Voice". As I matured, and moderated somewhat, I allowed other influences to socialize me politically. But folks, I will never be too old to continue to think the Voice speaks for my voice. Here it is...couldn't have said it better myself.

http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-09-29/news/white-america-has-lost-its-mind/

It's all there. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Congress goes home.

It has been thoroughly exhausting listening to and watching our Congress attempt to do the peoples' business these past 2 years. Under Pelosi, much has been accomplished albeit at lesser levels than either needed or desired by the President. The obstructionist Senate Republicans have been far worse than the House and the shameful, embarrassing and inappropriate negativity and hate has been a bad experience for our nation. It is time for the campaign to really begin, but also for a rest from Congress. The legislative branch of our Government has been mired in politics and not doing the business of the people. I only hope that Americans realize that Republican obstruction and ideas that would move us back to the depths of national pain are what are at stake so as Congress lobbies for votes, listen to what is being said and remember the Who "We won't be fooled again". Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Stop Whining

Over the past few days both the Vice President and President whose comments will be published, have urged the Democratic base to stop whining. On the surface this may sound patronizing and insulting, but then I think for real, how much I hate whining. My students will whine that there is too much work, people I run in to at various places will whine that the wait is too long, or the traffic is bad, or that other things totally out of their control deserve to be treated with complaining and dissatisfaction and yes, whining. I hate it and I am guilty of it myself. It is so easy to complain, so easy to forget. The Democrats and independents who voted so forecefully and energetically for the President have forgotten that we were in the depths of an historic recession. We were involved dangerously in two wars. Our auto industry was collapsing, our banks were failing, our people were out of work, businesses were shuttered and the nation had lost its grip. Since then, in a very short two years, much of this has changed for the better including economists declaring the recession officially over. There are many people out there who have not yet experienced any benefit from the improving situation and thus have become skeptical. However, the pace of change and turnaround has been dramatic. Any economist worth his or her weight, will honestly tell you the pace of recovery has been extraordinary. These pronouncements do not put bread on the tables of the out of work or will restore our 401K's to the values of 2005, but the change we voted for is afoot. It takes time to move forward, but only moments to move backwards. If Democrats stay home in November and if Independents vote with their frustrations instead of their hopes, our nation will quickly return to the agenda of the party that created the mess and we will be right back where we started from. So, you can whine that things are going too slowly and stay home, or you can energetically vote to keep the changes going, keep the growth going, keep job creation going and embrace the positives that lie ahead. Your choice. Be careful. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Great Compromise

In 1787 as the delegates to the Constitutional Convention convened, the differences in perspective and opinion would make today's difference seem amateurish. These founders, however, realized that the destruction of a nation must'nt take a back seat to personal beliefs. One example is how to deal with the representation in Congress between large states and small states. The genius of that Great Compromise allowed for both equal and population proportion representation through two branches of the Congress. Compromise is a word that seems to have been lost in the political discourse of the 21st Century. Here is an example of what could be done immediately, but won't be done. Both political parties agree that extending current tax rates to 98% of America is a good thing. They could do that today. Both leaders could call for a vote, package a simple piece of legislation and give relief to the middle class and small businesses in need the most. After the election, the debate about the other 2% could be held. There is no argument that is credible to suggest it must be done as a whole package because the Republicans do not wish to pay for the windfall for the rich, therefore this can be part of the debate later on. Instead, these folks will blame each other, harden their positions and do nothing, hoping that voters will side with their views. There will be no Great Compromise in 2010. Where is James Madison when we need him? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Israel

President Obama is in the process, like his many predecessors, of trying to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians. My one and only issue of agreement with President Bush, was his stance on Israel, as an unshakeable Democratic ally, the only real established Democracy in the entire area. President Obama has the lowest popularity in Israel of any U.S. President, unfairly in my judgement but as he tries to broker an agreement, I hope he does not confuse his desire for peace with his responsibilities to bring peace but not at all costs. Israel's size is miniscule to say the least and it is a nation that has been losing the public relations war around the world. Anti Semitism is on the rise and Israel is the scapegoat for media outlets and groundless criticisms the world over. I recognize the need and desire for Palestinian autonomy and I fully know that Arabs and Israelis conduct business, engage in commerce and even respect each other as human beings. I know that a healthy two state situation, with two democracies will lift the disenfranchised into the sunlight and the technologies and knowledge that Israel has shared with the world can be used to help boost a struggling people in the name of decency and harmony. There is one big BUT, however, the one that is continually ignored... the fact that Israel's Palestinian negotiating partner has failed to officially recognize its right to exist. Instead, they argue about the periferal issues, settlement freezes and right to return, all important but a constant existential threat by your negotiating partner cannot safely result in a lasting peace. Instead of the world condemning Israel, it must be fair and rise up against Palestinian violence, attempts to derail peace at all costs, and sworn doctrine of destruction. No peace until that time. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth?

Insanity

There is a quote out there that I will paraphrase and whose attribution goes from Rita Mae Browne to Einstein, but whoever said it or wrote it first, must have been referring to the Republican Party in the United States of America. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results" Need I say more today? I don't think so. Happy Sunday. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Madame Speaker

Much of the political discourse in DC and around the country these days is revolving around control of the House. Many pundits predict a change, resulting in obviously a change in Speaker of the House. This job is arguably the most important job next to the President. It sets the agenda for the House, chooses committee members, schedules votes and wields enormous influence. Since almost all bills originate in the House, this adds even greater impact to the job. Additionally, she is only behind the Veep in Presidential succession. Our choices are pretty clear. Love her or hate her, Speaker Pelosi has done what she was supposed to do. She has helped push through a needed stimulus which now by all accounts is indeed helping. She advocated for health care reform and still maintains that the House may act on tax relief before the election even though Senate Democrats have dropped the ball. Nancy Pelosi has passion, strong views and is a skillful leader who doesn't waiver and Americans like strength, consistency and vision from its leaders even if we don't support all the views and beliefs of these leaders. What would we get from John Boehner? Inconsistency, unimpressive ability, and absence of any independent coherent thought and a person who would rather tow the party line than the country line. Boehner has gone from passing out checks on the House floor to tobacco legislators (he is a smoker don't forget), supporting the largest deficit increase in history before the recession, acceptance of his Republican President's entire agenda and an obsession with sound byte speeches, to a deficit hawk under a Democratic President, a clear political gesture which shows him to be nothing more than a puppet of Republican extremist doctrine. Be careful what you wish for. You may get a very unimpressive and clearly self serving buffoon as leader of the House. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Great Tax Debate...Again

So it has been announced by Harry Reid, that any legislation regarding Bush tax cut extensions will not be handled before the election. He claims intransigence on the part of the Republicans. The Republicans have said the Democrats are not willing to negotiate....but they have, they want to retain current rates for all but 1% of the nation. I guess unless you get 100% of what the Republican party wants, it isn't negotiation. Both parties will tout their points of view...we need tax relief for those who need it the most and ask the wealthiest among us to defer the costs.....or....we cannot tax anyone during a recovery...even the rich who will invest and create jobs, blah blah blah. The point of this is this,...these rates do not expire until the end of the year. This means that never did any decision need to have been made legislatively until after the votes are counted in November. It was all a sham. Neither side cares about the country going in to an election. They care about votes. Any discussion on the matter has been a political distraction and theatre. If and this is a big if, these folks really cared about us, they would have compromised on something to at least ease our anxieties about the future and then both could have claimed victory. But that ain't how it works. Thanks for nothing. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Republican Plan

Wow. Today, after months and months of obstruction, saying no, and scaring Americans, the Republicans are announcing their plan if they gain control of the House. Here it is....take 37 million newly insured Americans and take away their health care...tell parents that their college grad kids. cannot stay on their insurance...tell the rich that they can continue to get all the tax breaks without paying for it and take away from needed middle class relief...stop all the needed projects that have yet to be done even though they were scheduled for 2011 when the stimulus was passed and reduce job creation..and promise shrinking government without giving one single example of where you would cut. These are the same guys that screwed it up royally for 6 years leading to one of the deepest recessions in our history. They ask for our trust again? Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Political Courage

In 2008 we voted for change. The historic election of Barack Obama will, no matter what, be considered an historic event. His accomplishments vs. his promises on the stump have been extraordinary. Even though we as impatient Americans forget sometimes what we voted for and then get angry when we get it, the fact remains that this President is working to move the agenda that got him elected forward. Health Care Reform, a priority item for the President was passed and by all estimates the political demonization of it by the Republicans has worked. Americans wanted it, but now are skeptical of it. They do not understand it, they have accepted the Palinization of it, and now seem to be forgetting why it is important. I finally am seeing President Obama coming out from the isolation of the Summer. I have heard him over the last few days stump loudly and aggressively over the merits of the bill in the face of continued pessimism. This is political courage. It is easy to ignore unpopularity of an issue and pretend it doesn't exist or to nuance your words to find votes. Harry Reid, for instance, coming out against the Islamic cultural center, comes to mind. I understand without an ounce of naivety the process for finding votes, but I also know, that the people that are true leaders, the ones I admire most, are the one's that put electoral expediency aside and instead, stay true to their values. This takes courage and I am beginning to see it in our President. I thought he lost it. Nice to see it again Mr. President. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Senate at its absolute worst

For 48 consecutive years, Congress has approved the military program expenditure bill with little fanfare. This year, an attempt was made to overturn the Don't ask Don't tell policy of our military, already accomplished in the House. A nation, founded on equality for all, discriminates against its gay citizens, putting us behind other nations with greater wisdom and truer understanding of equality. Both parties acted with disgrace. The Republicans for continuing their obstruction and cow towing to their extremist base, and the Democrats for denying amendments and mixing different pieces of legislation into the bill. Both parties of the Senate acted shamelessly, again putting electoral expediency ahead of American values. The Senate at its absolute worst. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

" Let them eat cake "

We have all heard, even though we now know it to be historically incorrect, that the line "let them eat cake" is attributed to Marie Antoinette. The words may not have been spoken by her, but the sentiments are appropriately affiliated with her views. The average Parisian starved and could not even find bread to eat, while the rich of French society were never in want. They had not a care in the world for the poor peasants whose lives they ruled. In today's New York Times, Paul Krugman, nobel prize economist with views in support of government intervention, has railed against the rich. I agree with his sentiments. He claims that much of the vitriol is coming, not just from tea party activists, but from well known, mainstream financial conservatives such as Forbes magazine and other trickle down economists. What a great job they are doing lobbying the upper class, stirring up the pot of laissez faire economics, scaring us into believing that they cannot create jobs, or wealth for the lower classes if they are taxed at rates from the Clinton Administration. An administration by the way, that ended with surplus. It is anathema to me, that while one out of seven Americans is in poverty, while 51 million Americans remain uninsured and while the gap between rich and poor has grown to historically wide levels, that the top one percent of our countrymen remains steadfastly against helping their country. The character assasination portrayed by Krugman is mild compared to what it should be. This "let them eat cake" attitude is disguised as good economic theory. In fact, it is not. I am happy to trade places with one of the richest in the land, so that I can turn around and give back to the nation I love and the people in most need. Being rich is a privilege, and it is a testament to our freedoms that we have the opportunity to strive for such wealth. The privilege is also tied to a responsibility to do what is right on behalf of us all. Do we need another French Revolution American style? I hope not. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Real Sin

Yesterday was the holiest of days in the religion of my family tradition. It is a day to ask for forgiveness for all one's sins. Each year I do so. My sins, from which I derive personal embarrassment, seem to reappear each year: too much swearing, not listening or paying enough attention to my loved ones, impatience, an occasional white lie and abruptness toward others whose values and beliefs conflict with my own. I am a good person. I care deeply about others and would do more for my friends and loved ones than I do for myself, but as all humans, I am imperfect. So, each year, I apologize for my imperfections, ask for forgiveness and consciously try to improve. After all, aren't we all works in progress? I am proud to say that I am not a person that commits Real Sin. I do not hate others who believe or look different than I do. I do not wish to see others hurt or harmed, and I do not try and scare people with vicious lies and violent deeds. Real Sin, as I just described it, comes from those people who hate for reasons based on prejudice, bigotry and ignorance. Worse than they, however, are those who commit Real Sin because it is profitable. Beck and Limbaugh and Gingrich and Palin and Buchanan all stand to economically gain through their hateful, vitriolic and divisive talk. They use the ignorance that exists in the hearts and minds of an active minority to scare people into believing that a whole religious group, or race, or ethnicity are dangerous and Un-American and should be stopped. When Beck calls the President a racist, he knows that this will sell well to White Americans that still harbor prejudices against Blacks. When Limbaugh protests the Islamic cultural center in NYC, he uses 9-11 to bang the drumbeat of hate against Muslims. When Gingrich compares the President to a tribal Kenyan colonialist, he knows that the bigots will love it and when Palin rails against seculars, she knows that extreme fundamentalists will respond with hateful rallies against Abortion doctors, first amendment protectors and brings out gay bashers. These people are out to get ratings, sell books and get elected and they use the hate in our hearts and the ignorance in our minds, to create a maelstrom of divisiveness, argument and fear. These are the real sinners. So as I ask for forgiveness for my own sins, I also ask for an awakening and a battle against these real sinners, whose lives have little value to me and to the values that our nation stands for. Hate may sell, but it is truly the only Real Sin. It is time for the haters to be held accountable for their actions by the simple, peaceful and appropriate message of American tolerance, acceptance and appreciation of all. It is time to move Rush, Glenn, Sarah, Newt and Pat to the ashbin of history along with those who fail to condemn them for their self serving acts of Sin. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Ultimate National Disgrace

In my Advanced Placement Government class, I am teaching the students about public opinion. One of the questions we ponder, is whether or not there is a list of American Values. After prodding and probing and brainstorming, one basic tenet is that most Americans believe that equality is an American value. Equality? Today it was announced that one in seven Americans is poor. America, the richest, most powerful nation on earth.. America, a democracy.. America, a nation of moral superiority. To this, I say a resounding NO. Both political parties, every President, every Congress will place blame, talk of this shame, and promise to change it. We haven't and we wont't unless real leaders with real passion for the issues of equality and moral superiority step up to the plate for real. Notwithstanding our economic turmoil, poverty in the richest nation on earth is an anathema to everything America supposedly stands for. Now, today, I don't have the plan to fix it, but I know it is wrong. I know that smart people can do anything and I know that Americans are caring and decent human beings. It is time to fix, for once and for all, this incredible National Disgrace. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Big Wins for the Democrats

Yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking. The extremists are taking over the country. Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are kingmakers and Sarah Palin will be our next President. Fret not. Yesterday was a big win for the Democrats and those of us that subscribe to our party's left of center philosophy ought to rejoice. The mainstream always wins in a National Election and extremists tend to prevail during primary season. Once November comes around, people won't vote for a person who wants to stop Unemployment insurance, repeal Social Security, put prayer in the school, try abortion doctors as murderers and put Muslims in internment camps. The Palin backed candidates may win now, but we are still mainstream enough as a nation not to put such people in power. Before yesterday, Delaware was likely to switch in the Senate to a Republican, but not now. Harry Reid was a sure loser, now his opponent is giving him a real chance. So before you lose all hope and continue to fear that extremism is pervasive in the land, have some faith. Thanks should go out to those voters who put these maniacs on the Republican ballot for November. You have unwittingly given the Democrats some real hope of avoiding a disaster. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Job Creators?

Yesterday the Senate Minority leader from Kentucky, Mr. Mitch, said he opposes any tax proposal that doesn't include the rich, because they are the job creators. So, if these 10 years of tax breaks were in existence through the recession, how is it that we lost 8,000,000 jobs? What were the job creators doing? Now, while the economy slowly recovers, we have banks hoarding cash and corporations reporting record profits and dividend increases. So, why aren't the job creators, filled with cash and wealth, creating jobs? Don't listen to the BS of trickle down economics. It didn't work with Reagan and it won't work now. The real job creators create jobs not because of tax breaks for the rich, but because of a thriving, working middle class. Give them the breaks and pay for it by asking the few privileged amongst us to pay a little more. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Tolerance of Intolerance

Today at school, the issue of the Islamic Cultural Center in NYC was discussed between and amongst my students. After class, a dear friend of mine said, that whereas he doesn't agree with opposition to the building of it, he can accept a person who lost a loved one for having the point of view that opposes the building of the center. Upon reflection, I say NO. Loss is a terrible thing. No one should have to endure the pain and suffering of the bereaved, however, we cannot allow intolerance and bigotry to become an acceptable point of view. It isn't. Grief cannot excuse ignorance and denial of our values. People are entitled to think and feel as they do, but we cannot use grief and pain to excuse bigotry. This is not acceptable. Once you tolerate intolerance, you give it a voice and an excuse. This we cannot do. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The You Tube President.

I just came back from shopping and in the store, I bumped into a stranger who was wearing an "Obama Sucks" tee shirt. I fully realize that this is free expression and is guaranted by our first amendment, but I was angry. I said nothing. The guy was much bigger than me and a bit menacing to look at, but as I left the store, I asked myself why someone is so angry at the President that they would wear such a slogan on their chest? Isn't he working hard at the job? Doesn't he really care about our country? Isn't he doing what we elected him to do? Yes to all three questions. It must be something else. Perhaps the message? President Obama is the darling of high tech. He understands the internet, used it to fuel his minions in 2008 and carries a blackberry. His presidency has been referred to as the You Tube Presidency. So why is he lagging in the polls, unable to connect? It seems counter-intutive. In wondering how to help him, I was thinking about FDR. During his presidency there was no cable, no universal ownership of TV, no internet, no instantaneous reporting of every bowel movement or tie selection and yet, FDR was able to reach America through his Fireside Chats. So, Mr. President, it is time to use your knowledge of today's technology and convert it to Fireside Chats, 2010 style. Don't hide. We need to see and hear more of you. Use this power of technology to fine tune your message in a simple and connectible way. Do not leave it to your advisors. They are running scared and giving you very bad advice. In addition, more prime time press conferences. You aren't afraid of the media. Remember, America hates them more than it does you. Tell us while we are watching about saving us from financial meltdown, about instituting the start of universal health care, about ending combat operations of the Iraq war, about how hard it still will be for us to fully recover but inspire us to again remember our greatness and our spirit. We will listen. The reporters will be inspired too. After all, we are all Americans. Remember, FDR did it without the Internet. You can do it too. I don't want to see any more of those tee shirts. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Complete and Utter Failure

Today, all hearts go out to the families and friends of those brave, innocent men and women killed on that horrific day, 9 years ago. This day will always be etched in the psyches and souls of all that bore witness to the tragedy. While my wife and I were travelling in the car this morning, as the moment of silence came from the radio, we both wept. No words need to have been spoken between us. We just felt sad, sad that such hate exists and that such an event, could have taken place. Sadder still, however, is the complete failure on the part of our leaders to have caught and killed the mastermind Bin Laden who still lives. Every American, hawk or dove, liberal or conservative feels cheated. We know it was him responsible for that day and yet all the arms, and power and strength of our country, is meaningless. We are impotent. Instead, our Government started a war in Afghanistan intended to root out the terrorists who we were convinced were there, but their leader survives. Bush then took us to war in Iraq under false pretenses insinuating a connection between 9-11 and Sadaam Hussein and let Bin Laden slip away. Now we are doubling down in Afghanistan due to our past failure and still, Bin Laden lives. Today as we all weep, we must forget all that we were told about Homeland Security, and improved airport screening and signs on our highways telling to call if we see trouble, all that crap. Forget it. Remember this, Bin Laden killed our people, he lives, and all else does not really matter. If we as a Government do not find and destroy him, nothing else will replace the void, the inconclusiveness, the lack of closure and the fact of our complete and utter failure. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?