Sal's Reflections

When one looks at the massive negative forces in the Universe it is easy to become a pessimist .War, famine, natural disasters, non functioning governments and a host of other headlines may easily cast one into pulling the covers over one’s head. However, there is a smaller personal world where a person has some degree of control and options. Choice is available on many fronts in this world because the positive opportunities are all around us. One can choose to work harder to create a healthy family or work environment. Better schools and a fairer deal for those who have little power can be somewhat more viable here than on the larger world scale. As the entire web moves when a spider goes from one side to the other the smaller world can be changed by involvement and kindness.

Inspiration comes in many forms and those moments elevate the human spirit. We have all experienced a moving speech, a profound novel or the majesty of an opera or concerto. However inspiration also can be found in the gentle touch on the cheek of one who is in great pain or the willingness to listen to an idea or plight of another. It can be found in modeling kindness, or in the patient moments that encourage a young child today. We are all able to inspire ,and to bring moments of growth to a world that constantly needs inspiration to rise over negativity and cynicism. Today by our actions there will be moments when what we do and say will inspire others to be more fully who they were meant to be.

Many members of my family have served in the military, and a few were wounded in battles in the second world war and Vietnam. Neighbors lost their lives in Korea, while others still carry the scars and memories of past wars. It is not an easy life to defend one’s country, and though I abhor war I have the utmost respect for those who daily serve to protect our way of life. I also honor all who have served in the past, and wish never to forget those who made the supreme sacrifice . May they rest in peace with the knowledge that today we do everything in our power to seek peaceful ways to resolve conflicts so that future generations may be spared the pain of lost sons and daughters.

Setbacks and unexpected disappointments often come without warning and certainly can cause havoc in our lives.Feelings of failure,frustration and a sense that there is little control in life may accompany the events. However there is often an alternative to merely staying in place and accepting the setback without a  positive  response. I have found that at some point that feeling down and blue is not very fulfilling. Every life has down times, and at some point they offer the opportunity to recommit to something better despite the odds. It is not being a Pollyanna to rise above the negative and struggle to find a better way to reach the goals that we desire.

I have witnessed courage on many occasions in my life where people despite tremendous challenges find ways to cope with tremendous challenges. I saw it when I was mentored by a Holocaust victim who chose despite his personal losses to go on with his life, teaching others to withstand pain and suffering. I experienced it in observing friends and loved ones model how they chose to handle debilitating illness. There are so many who everyday show us the best of humanity not to win our praise, but to assist us in understanding that the human spirit may endure great hardships and bend in the face of these, but in the end it is capable of making the best of even impossible challenges. I draw strength from the courage of others, and marvel at the mettle of their will to live fully despite the hurdles.

Have a few friends who are experiencing difficult times. Some have debilitating illnesses and others are caught in this difficult economic time. It can be very lonely to struggle with these serious issues, and no matter what the daily challenges it is most helpful to know that someone cares. A phone call, note or personal visit can be a lift that makes the difficulty momentarily less painful. Despite our busy lives and myriad responsibilities it is really worthwhile to pause and reach out.

In 1938 the tide of Nazi barbarism turned its complete focus on the Jewish populations in German speaking areas.The laws penalizing Jews were only the beginning and on the pretext of spontaneous retaliation for the murder of a German official by a Polish Jewish teenager hell was unleashed on innocent victims. Thirty thousand were arrested and send to the camps at least two hundred and sixty seven synagogues were burned, ransacked and destroyed. At least ninety five were murdered and there were countless beatings and rapes.Every Jewsh business and home was a possible target, and the streets were lined with debris and broken glass. The German government which orchestrated this pogrom was the brain child of Joseph Goebbels in an attempt to regain favor with Hitler. The days Of November 9th and 10th were the escalation into the genocide which followed. It may have happened a long time ago, but the lessons learned from the passivity of the world who stood in silence should never be forgotten.

Last night we all turned the clock back one hour and there are moments when we wish we could turn the clock back many years. There comes with age some realizations that things have really changed. For example I can’t hit the fastball anymore and my golf drive gets shorter every year. My once swift walking gait is slower and the senior moments occur more frequently. However, what has not changed is my passion for a society that is just and fair for all. My voice and heart are still passionate about social issues, and the plight of the marginalized. So in retrospect turning back the clock may be a wistful dream, abut as long as my will to be a bleeding heart goes on life is still worthwhile.

The bulk of Americans are not at the extremes politically, and wish that their representatives govern ,not merely win partisan arguments. They also desire their government to work as hard as they do. Next year the House will be in session for a mere 134 days. In October they will be resident for only two days.I often hear Congress persons talk about the” will of the people” but more and more it is clear that they don’t have a clue. The” will of the people” is to find common ground, adress the major challenges and show up as much as they do.

It was a real joy yesterday watching children all over the city enjoying themselves as they paraded around schools and neighborhoods in their Halloween costumes. Their smiles, giggles and exuberance made many of us smile and sense the wonder of their presence. However, there were many children yesterday that experienced a different reality. No one fussed over what they wanted to be on Holloween.They were hungry like any other day without proper food and nutrition. Their school was overcrowded and their passion for learning was thwarted by a host of realities. Coupled with this their daily nightmares of physical and emotional abuse continue. As a society it is wonderful to celebrate holidays like Halloween but all of us have a responsibility to the children in the shadows who live in great pain and fear.