Sal's Reflections

For many of us though hectic the holidays bring a sense of love and caring. We spend time with our loved ones and have all sorts of community activities. There is a sense of being connected that fills our spirits. However ,for many this is the most painful season of the year. Many literally have no one and each day is merely about survival. Some shiver under bridges while others weep at the lack of food for their children. Where my days are filled with anticipation and kindness veterans from many wars live with the horror of past battles and lost friends. It is not morose to pause in our joy to somehow touch these lives and bring some hope that they are not alone.

Saw the film”The theory of Everything “yesterday and loved it.The odds against him were so staggering that it would probably been almost impossible to believe he could survive let alone become a person who has sold over 11 million books. It is heartwarming to realize that for most of us the odds are so much slimmer in chasing our dreams.For him the road was strewn with obstacles that no one had ever cleared but for us every one of those in our way can be handled. It might be worthwhile to identify the odds of that which is most desired by you. Certainly it will not even be close with what Hawkins faced. Go for it.

Thank you for all of the wonderful Birthday wishes. I was touched by so many friends sending such heartwarming notes. As the years pile up I am well aware that at some point the road ends but interestingly enough I have never been happier. I find the projects that occupy my mind and sprit are more fulfilling than ever. Each day offers new horizons and experiences that are ever so inviting. The ride has been more than I ever could have imagined, and so many of you have written chapters and verse in my heart that make it all so worthwhile.

When Frank Capra’s movie”It’s a Wonderful Life”was released it was viewed as a sentimental disaster.Over time it became a classic and this sentimental son of Sicily loved it. George Bailey was such a warm and caring man whose life touched so many others in positive ways. At this time of giving thanks I am reminded that I have known real life George Baileys. One was Rob Hess who changed the lives of thousands with his tireless devotion to the homeless. There are families who will gather around warm homes to share a Thanksgiving dinner because Rob could not accept the reality that there was no place for them. They may never know his name and though he died last year his legacy will live for generations. Thanks to you Rob for all you did for the least of us..

Last night was very disturbing watching the reaction to the Ferguson verdict. The issues are so explosive and I knew that if the verdict was not to indict their would be violence. The issues are so volatile and unfortunately this case has become the focus for so many unresolved social issues . I do not know all the facts that the grand jury examined so my opinion on what happened has little merit. However I do know that too many young kids of color die at the hands of the police and we must find ways in which these confrontations are altered. Lining up on either side of this one may reinforce all sorts of beliefs but it will do nothing to move us forward toward the ideal promised to all.

Everyday I wake to multiple stories of rape. Allegations against Bill Cosby,gang rapes at college fraternities are not isolated ,they are merely the tip of the iceberg. Rapes are epidemic and the numbers are staggering but even more frightening when you realize for multiple reasons so few are actually reported. Institutions often protect their reputations rather than the victims. In some quarters men still laugh and joke about these horrible crimes. These acts of violence must cease and it makes no difference whether the act is performed on a military base, a college dorm or anyplace else. Rape is rape, and these violent acts against women must be treated for what they are, felonies. As men we must stand with our sisters and move beyond our disgust. These victims need more than our compassion they require our political action.

I am of the opinion that cable news prevents reasonable people from coming to solutions which benefit society. If we could for a period of time ignore MSNBC and FOX and listen to each other common ground could be found. Who among us does not want a safe infrastructure, a growing middle class,equity for every gender,race and sexual preference? Does anyone believe that we cannot find reasonable formats for immigration and tax reform? Is there a person that does not want our schools to be safe and the air to breathe healthy for our children and grandchildren.? Past all the propaganda on both sides lies the path to the people once again being more involved in building than tearing down. It is time for both choirs to sing a different tune.

It seems that all wonderful events must come to an end and this is true in our family. For years we have assembled at the idyllic retreat of Georgia and Mark outside of Woodstock, Vermont The place has been sold so this is our final year in Vermont .Here on this mountain top retreat the days were filled with laughter, toasts, charades and millions of indelible memories of our lives. It has been a ride filled with such joy that the word gratitude seems pale in light of the moments we have experienced. So the clan will gather one last time next week to celebrate the day and to remember all of the loved ones past and present that have made these years so memorable. A special thanks to Georgia and Mark for their kindness and generosity

In 1939 a young Jewish boy of eight fled Berlin with his parents and came to the United States.He spoke no English but became one of the most powerful and accomplished icons of our entertainment world. Mike Nichols was not only a genius but it seems that he touched the minds and hearts of not only everyone who worked with him but also audiences. His deft hand can be seen on so many monumental films and plays. We may never see his kind again but it makes me wonder about all the talent that died at the camps during the period of the Holocaust. How many sonatas were not written,poems not read and millions of thoughts and actions that literally went up in flames? Thank you Mike for who you were and for reminding me again why my little voice against hatred and prejudice must continue.

In the 1930’s the Nazis employed data of genetic  pseudo science to convince the public that Jews were inferior and were a detriment to the overall population. One of the chief monsters that accepted and acted on this so called science was Mengele the Doctor of death at Auschwitz. It is incredible to witness the same false science rearing its head again in so many hate groups and think tanks here and abroad. There are articles which rate the races and invariably people of color and Hispanics are labeled as the Jews were in the 30’s to be inferior. This would be laughable if the consequences were not so dire. Genetic theories like these are completely false and the so called think tanks that perpetrate this bile are fundamentally opposed to the foundation of our Democratic society,