Back to the Routine
Travelling is wonderful (especially to Israel) but coming home is always so sweet. Much has happened during my two week writing sabbatical…A Wing Flap was discovered, Jon Stewartbid farewell, Jonathan Pollard got a break, Cecil was killed,Jewish/Israeli terrorist killed innocent lives, Planned Parenthood and Voting Rights are (again) under attacked and the GOP candidates debated their popularity. With all this news to catch up on, you might need to pace yourself while reading this week’s email.
The Deal
The big news that continues to dominate our consciousness
is the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the
Iran Deal. Whether you are For or Against the deal, the bottom line goal for all is a less threatening Iran and a more peaceful future. Most would agree it is a flawed plan but is it better than no deal at all? For several years, Iran, an arch enemy of Israel, regional countries and western democracies (especially the US) has been scheming to build a nuclear bomb. Analysts have been tracking their imminent progress which led to global “crippling” sanctions that apparently didn’t stall their nuclear efforts. So, a diplomatic attempt was tried and a deal was blessed by the eager partnering countries (France, Germany, UK, China & Russia) plus the UN and now the two final “partners” (US and Iran) need to christen the deal. The US Congress will most likely vote against the deal on Sept. 17th, and unless there is a super majority, the President will veto the vote and the Deal will be done, of course assuming, the final “partner” Iran signs on the dotted line. The Deal’s merits are heavily debated as many feel it didn’t go far enough since it will allow Iran to obtain a nuclear bomb in 10-15 years while their bank accounts will be immediately flushed with $150 billion, their military arsenal will be boasted, sanctions will be lifted and their acceptance into the global trade fold will be welcomed. This parody of an Iranian negotiator “comedically” illustrates the concerns of many:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hIz_vkZH5k and for a 2nd visual, check out Dennis Prager’s take on the dilemma:
http://www.prageruniversity.com/Political-Science/The-Iran-Nuclear-Deal.html#.VckabyZVhBd And, lastly, here is a perspective of an Iranian, who references a 100,000 person Iranian demonstration in Paris that warns of the true intent of the current Iranian leadership.
The Decision
Researching and Soul Searching have consumed our legislators as they publicly approve or vow to vote against the deal. Most, if not all, Republicans will vote against the deal. The big news last week was (the prominent Democratic)
Senator Chuck Schumer‘s announcement against the deal. He carefully studied the material, attended classified briefings and did not let “pressure, politics or party” influence his decision. Whichever side you are on is frankly irrelevant. Since the partnering countries and the UN have already ratified the deal, arguing your position won’t change the situation we must face that in the near future (even if or in spite of Congress’ disapproval), Iran will need extensive scrutiny which means Israel will need extra military defenses. Israel is strong and smart and will prevail with the help of her (continued) best friend, the United States. We must sustain our support of our representatives on both sides of the isle, regardless of their vote. Yes, it is an important vote, but it is one of many we elect them to debate. We cannot alienate our leaders over this extremely conflicting issue, who, on both sides hope for a more peaceful world. We must be united to deal with the future.
Ambassador Dan Shapiro is correct when he urges Israel (Bibi) to stop arguing and start negotiating protective cooperation with the United States.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-envoy-netanyahu-wont-talk-about-day-after-deal/Tuesday Aug. 18th
And speaking of Senator Chuck Schumer, this will be my last invitation to support Chuck for all his efforts as a highly respected and influential legislator, by attending the fundraiser we are hosting in our home this Tuesday Aug. 18th. Please email me and I’ll give you all the details.
Shalom Jon
Senator Schumer was a regular guest on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show with his recent appearance just a few weeks ago to expose Jon’s “hidden” nationality. Though Jon pretends to have disguised his Jewish identity, the real Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz is revealed in this clip:
And for those of you who just can’t get enough of Jon Stewart, here is the Forward’s top 18 Jewish segments:
But for all his shtick, Jon Stewart was a stalwart supporter of progressive thought and with humor and wisdom he exposed the world’s atrocities and newsworthy moments while entertaining and educating an audience who may never have paid attention to the vital issue of the day. He stuck to his values and shared opinions that weren’t always to my liking, however his consistency and brilliance was always respected. He was a catalyst to the brightest talent and helped jumpstart their careers. Stephen Colbert expresses his (and all of our) appreciation for enlightening our lives for the last 16 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mh7WICqrxI
Pollard Parole
Another famous Jonathan made the news recently. After 3 decades behind bars with a Life Sentence and seemingly no chance of parole, suddenly (around the same time as the Iran Deal), Jonathan Pollard (convicted spy who passed US secrets to our ally, Israel) will be given his freedom. This is the most mysterious case as to why he was sent away longer than any other spy committing a similar crime and why they never would allow his release until now. On Nov. 20th, Jonathan Pollard will be released from prison however he will be restricted from travel for 5 years, even though he is now an Israeli citizen. Upon the completion of his 5 year parole requirement, it is expected he will moved to Israel.
Family Treason
Another Jewish spy is back in the news as the children of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg are desperately trying to exonerate their mother, Ethel, as being falsely accused (by her brother to protect his wife) and wrongfully executed for being a Soviet spy. http://tinyurl.com/RosenbergExecution
Trophy Hunt
Cecil the lion was trophy murdered by luring him out of his sanctuary, hitting him was an arrow, tracking him for 40 more hours and then killing him with a gun. This expedition cost, the, now hiding, American dentist, 50 grand. It exposed the abhorrent (to many) sport of trophy hunts but, like most, there are two sides to this story. Hunting in any form to me is unacceptable, but for many it is part of nature. The locals in Zimbabwe shed no tears for the dead lion. In fact, they probably applauded that one less Lion will be threatening their livestock and family. In theory, the profits of these expensive trophy hunts should be used to assist the local communities but in developing countries, government corruption probably syphons the much needed funds leaving little or nothing for the locals. Two other confirmed famous hunters who aren’t in hiding are Donald Trump Jr. and Jimmy John Liautaud.
Roar of Protection
Another lioness,
Cecile Richards, is roaring with protection over the continued attacks against
Planned Parenthood. Ignorance and closed mindedness continue to threathen the lifesaving and vital work of PP. Fools who think eliminating legal abortions and birth control information (plus women’s health screenings) will benefit our society have got their heads stuck somewhere unseamly. Decreasing abortion will only increase dangerous desperate attempts. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have at least one abortion in their lifetime and feel motherhood should be voluntary. This straight forward NYTimes article speaks volumes about the need for more of these women to speak up.
http://tinyurl.com/NYTimePParticleThe truth is spoken in this Funny or Die parody video:
And who says it better than, Amy Schumer. The end of her message brings it all to “life”:
Gold Mine Spill
100 Miles of River through 3 States have been polluted by 3 Million tons of toxic waste that got mistakenly dumped into theAnimas River last week. Our government’s agency, the EPA (established to protect the environment) was the culprit to the accident while it was working in the inactive gold mine.
Before and after shots of the Animas River
Bravo…
…to the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, though BS to Texas and other states where voting rights are being challenged with unfair identification requirements:
…to the re-raising of our American flag (today) at the Havana American Embassy by the same 3 marines who lowered it back in 1961.
… to the 30th birthday of the Guerrilla Girls who, back in the 80s (and still today), doned Gorilla masks to bring attention to the lack of women artists displayed in museums.
BS…
…to another Jewish terrorist who burned the home of a West Bank Arab Family that killed a father and his baby. The mother and sibling are still recovering and in serious condition. Shame on anyone who was involved or even instigated this despicable act.
Though there is much more news of the week to discuss (the Clean Power Plan, Our Teacher Shortage, China industrial warehouse blast, Syrian refugees,…) I have run out of time and room and will pick up where I left off next Friday. By the way, if you are wondering where all the political news is… I have quarantined it to the Political Section below. For now, I wish you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,
…to the family, friends and our Detroit community on the passing of another football hero turned businessman, Mel Far(70), who owned the nation’s largest black-owned auto dealership.
Shabbat Shalom - שבת שלום 