Sal's Reflections

I was recently asked “why are you so concerned about the Holocaust? It happened so many years ago. “My answer is simple, because having met so many survivors through the years it became more than a historical tragedy that I saw in Newsreels. Hearing first hand the stories changed me forever, and the reality of what happened became personal. The recounting of the atrocities that people encountered merely because of their race made me aware of the heinous poison of prejudice. It is not maudlin for me to remember the anguish and pain of those encounters. Many today have either never heard the stories, or think that remembrance has little merit. For those of us who know, it is still our obligation never to forget .

Winston Churchill once said”Americans always get it right after they have tried everything else.”. I believe that this is very true of applying the dream of the Constitution to everyone. For centuries people of color, women and same sex couples have been restricted in their pursuit of full citizenship. This goal becomes more possible in a culture that more and more seeks to remedy the past blemishes to that marvelous goal. We are not becoming further from the intentions of the Constitution today, but rather we are seeing that it must be a living document that embraces all.

I am fortunate in that I have had a marvelous education that has enabled me to follow rational arguments, and understand the diverse views of others. However, there are some realities that I cannot understand, and having heard the arguments I find them neither plausible or persuasive. For example, I have not heard any moving arguments on the following: Why  cannot women become Catholic priests? Why  does gay marriage threaten the traditional view of marriage?Why same sex parents cannot raise normal healthy children? I have yet to hear any data which helps me move my opinion on these vital issues.

It has been a tradition that as time goes by the support for change weakens. However, we are one hundred days out since the horrific murders in Newtown, and the pressure for change is growing. All over the country people are mobilizing to somehow deal constructively with the question of gun violence in our country. There is no perfect solution ,but we must never give up the search for altering the murders that happen every day. If you are involved please keep the pressure on the elected representatives, especially those who appear to be ignoring the majority.

I hear a great deal about the good old days .The premise seems to be that life was more fulfilling and perfect in the 50’s . I loved many things about that time period, but I also remember a lot of social blemishes. There were people who could not be served at restaurants, and women often had no recourse against physical and mental brutality. People were arrested for loving someone of the same gender, and often diversity was not viewed as a benefit. I have wonderful memories of the good old days, but am thrilled that today some of those social evils are better managed. We are far from perfect, but I think that I am living in a time period that will be the good old days in reality.

Our country is still grieving over the senseless loss of innocent lives in Newtown. That awful day will live with each of us forever, and it reminds me that in Europe from 1939 to 1945 incidents like Newtown happened every day. One million Jewish children were murdered by the Nazi’s during those years. Like Newtown ,we must never forget those children, and each must do our part to preventing future horrors. Passover is an opportunity for remembrance and commitment to end violence and bigotry wherever it exists.

My friend Elizabeth Richards died recently after a long battle with cancer. She was a brilliant writer, and an even more wonderful person. Despite her illness ,she never lost her zest for life and was an incredible role model. I will never forget her words that were so poignant “Sal as age has dimmed my eyes, my mind more clearly sees what is really important. Relationships and the love of others are the most critical and valuable parts of life. I treasure those more than any possession I have acquired.” I am glad that her pain has ceased, but her spirit still blesses me.

On so many occasions my mind sends forth a memory of some act of kindness that has been part of my past. Those moments when someone put me above themselves, and showed me the beauty of human caring warm my heart to this day. The impression that was made never really ends ,and those examples are actually timeless. They remind me that one of the best paths to making a difference in life is to each day seek to perform at least one act of kindness. These moments when we put others first are the most profound opportunities of creating lasting legacy.

When one speaks of the constant search for peace in a conflict they are often dismissed as naïve. Being opposed to armed conflict is equated with singing “Kumbaya” and having your head in the sand. The reality is that when the war drums start the plea for restraint is viewed as being non patriotic. We were led down this path too many times in my lifetime. Vietnam and Iraq were disasters based on misinformation, lies and the macho whims of many “chicken hawks” that never served. If being skeptical about war and the rush to kill makes me naïve I gladly wear that mantle.

The HBO special:American Winter”should be seen by evryone.It documents the current crisis occuring all across this country .Millions of families who have been the backbone of the middle class now find themselves living in poverty, and many are homeless..Every member of congress, as well as corporate leaders should view this film and realize that these famililies need jobs, and a sense that someone cares.Great societies reflrct care and concern for those who are most vulnerable, and our public policies regarding the plight of our fellow citizens must be changed.