Sal's Reflections

Saw the movie Unbroken yesterday and though I had read the book it was so powerful.it is hard to believe that human beings can torture so ruthlessly.I am not naive having interviewed torture victims during the years but the realization that it continues today unabated is depressing.Men,women and children locked in dungeons while I go my Merry way in this joyous season.i am only one tiny voice but must do whatever is possible to end these horrors.

Wonderful party at Georgia and Mark’s last night.Mark is one of ten children and his remarkable ninety year old Mother was there .She is so sharp and a literal fountain of wisdom.Her continued impact on not only past but future generations augurs well for the Maloney’s. The food was outstanding and one could certainly overeat but one could never have too much family love and friendship.All the gifts of the season are wonderful but they pale compared to the gifts of family,love and friendship.Hope today is truly filled with joy for all.

Years ago a friend of mine a successful trial lawyer won a settlement for a client in a case of police brutality.He told me'”Sal this was a rogue cop but I never forget that the overwhelming number of cops are heroes and put themselves on the line for me and my family every day.”It is easy to forget that every day cops face issues which at any moment can cause bodily harm or even death. Personally I have never had a bad experience with a member of the police. We should grieve for the loss of the two who were assassinated this week and honor those who serve as we do those in the military. We should also do all in our part to build better relationships between the police and the community and address systemic injustice where rogue cops do not reflect the best that most offer every day. There are marvelous examples of service by those that serve and those that use peaceful methods to provide the equal justice that our rule of law seeks. As one small voice I pledge to do whatever I can to promote the bridges of understanding that tear down the walls that lead to the pain that so many families are experiencing in this most special season.

The Sunday morning talk show could have aptly beeb titled “The Blame Show.”Politicians and media members culled the reasons why the blame fell on the protests, the police or certain politicians. There was little rational discourse about where we as a society need to go to lessen the tensions that exist and build communities where mutual respect and trust florish. The villain theories may stoke the emotional juices but they will harvest little in the way of solutions. Labeling the police or people of any racial or ethnic group will lead to nothing but continued tragedies. The morgues are too full of cops and kids and throwing fuel onto the fire produces only more funerals and empty places around the table. Our shock and sadness at the recent deaths must lead to community changes that protect cops and citizens alike.

The assassination of two New York City police officers is an evil act beyond human understanding.The wave of hate and misunderstanding cannot be allowed to continue.This heinous act of violence cannot be justified by any of the recent events and every person of good will knows this is insane. We cannot while we mourn the loss of every life regardless of color or occupation allow this hatred to force us into sides that are even more polarized. Enemies justify all sorts of viol…ence and we cannot allow those who are not interested in solutions but rather further violence to control the debate.Two men lie in a morgue this morning because of unbridled hatred and too many on all sides of these issues are dead.Name calling and finger pointing may seem the way to go but I believe that will only lead to more deaths. I mourn for these two innocents and all who have unjustly died.The police are not the enemy and neither are the citizens they serve.

Recent polls indicate that the chasm between races in this country still exists and has become more pronounced because of recent events The tensions surrounding Ferguson and other cities is in reality the tip of the iceberg.Distance and lack of personal contact often contribute to stereotypes and fear of the other resides in most or perhaps all of us.There are muck rakers on all sides of the issues and it is easy to find reasons why one side is at fault.Some buy into beliefs …that allow the distance to remain and even widen while others shrug their shoulders and believe it will never get better. The challenges are to get beyond the bias that we all carry and we must see the challenges through systemic solutions. Much of what sustains the current unresolved status are the remnants of years of distance and lack of opportunity. You cannot dismiss the racial history of hundreds of years as if it has no effect on today. Equally you cannot blame every single woe on those who had no part in that shameful history. Change lies in facing poverty,privilige and a willingness to not be comfortable with the belief that it is up to the other to change.This wonderful country of ours is reaching out to all of us to strive to be what the Founding Fathers intended in this great experiment of Democracy.

One of the marvelous things about Pope Francis is that he sees beyond rigid positions to what can be achieved by real love of humanity. His willingness to reach out to world leaders to encourage them to go beyond long standing squabbles is a good model for all of us. Locked in by tons of data about why we are right and others are wrong we have often ceased listening with an open heart. Venom dissipates when I am more interested in you as a person rather than someone I must defeat by mobilizing my responses. I hope today that I will shed the labels, hold my tongue and open my ears to the wonder of real dialogue and sharing.

Last night we visited the Menorah and Christmas tree on the Washington mall.The night was cold and crisp and the season’s spirit was so tangible. At that moment I felt such an overwhelming sensation of peace and wished that everyone in the world could experience it. Yet I know that conflict, pain and human suffering continues unabated all over the world. I have no wand to alleviate all that pain but today like every day I will have small opportunities to bring the peace of the season to others. It may be merely a smile ,or holding open a door or helping someone with their groceries. There will be available toy drives and the soup kitchen will enable me to bring at least temporary shelter and food. Yes the spirit was not meant to be merely savored but rather to be shared.

Received a wonderful e mail from a Rabbi yesterday. Part of it said “through a colleague I became aware of your work and read both of your novels this week. I was profoundly touched by your obvious dedication to remembering those that perished and the sections on the Christian reactions to the Shoah were so honest and truthful. I believe your work is more powerful because you are not a Jew but if you ever decide to join the clan you would be welcomed with open arms. Seriously, if I can be of any assistance in your work please do not hesitate to ask.”