THE BIG ONE

It hit Japan hard and fast last week, and now we watch as they cope with a relentless one-two- three punch. First, the 9.0 earthquake, then the tsunami, and finally now the uncertainty of possible nuclear radiation danger. The expected loss of life is 10,000 or more, the destruction is beyond what we've seen in some time, and the misery of those left without homes and heat is difficult to even hear about, much less be able to do something helpful. It is advised that the best place to send contributions is the American Red Cross for Japan. It all seems more like a movie than real life, as each day brings us more images of the results of this unexpected, savage assault by the force of nature. The bad news is that Japan is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes--the good news, that they are also among the world's best prepared, and have the economic resources to rebuild.

Japan is the world's 3rd most powerful economy, and their connection to us and many other countries is vital, and critical to commerce all over the world. Even now, as we worry about the possible effects of their nuclear plant damage, our stock market is in a very precarious mood. We are far away, yet so close, and as the wind blows, we get closer. The jury is still out, and there are mixed opinions as to whether we have need to worry about our own health, especially on the west coast. Stay tuned, but listen closely, as the truth, as always, will be hard to find at first. The environmentalists will seize upon this to advance their agendas against all nuclear energy, the media will spin and toil to bring drama and personal editorializing to their reports, and the scientists will likely disagree or be influenced by the politics of the situation. It appears doubtful at this point in time that we are in danger here----keep close watch, but don't get out the gas mask or the iodide pills just yet. Perhaps we would be better advised to be better prepared for an earthquake of our own---I hear survival kits are becoming much more popular, as well as stocks of canned goods and water. According to seismatologists, California is due for their own big one within 30 years, and Washington state is also at high risk. Talk about living on the edge---the United States, and particularly the west coast, is woefully unprepared for such a catastrophe. Perhaps Japan's tragedy will be our wake up call.

In the meantime, there are other "big ones", that may not appear so threatening, but are as we speak, moving forward with great speed and possible earth shaking results of a different kind. Libya and other Arab countries are on the brink of turmoil and change---and not necessarily one which will benefit the United States. As one government falls, another will take or regain it's place, and the worry is always that either terrorist groups or anti-American regimes will gain further strength and control of the middle east. The question is---should we intervene to take control of their destiny, thereby affecting our own? Our president seems to be wrestling with the same question,regarding Libya and the defeat of Gaddafi, and to date has not made a decision, preferring instead to defer to the United Nations, even though France and Germany have given the green light. Having stated unequivocally that "Gaddhafi must go", Obama has not backed up his own ultimatum,leaving it to look like an empty threat, and many to wonder where his thoughts are and what the world must think of our leadership. Granted, the decision to lead by force in this situation is admittedly a hard one---who are our enemies versus our friends, and who best will protect our interests? The answers are not at all clear, but morally and consistent with our stated values, it would seem we should have stepped up without delay and protect those who are rebelling against a cruel, oppressive, and terrorist leaning dictator and losing their lives in the process. And why pose as defenders and protectors, then back off? Is the hesitation to decide one way or the other a lack of diplomatic experience on Obama's part, or is it his core belief that America should no longer lead, but follow according to the United Nations---and that we should be thought of only as a player on the world stage, not a leading country who will stand up for our security, values, and democracy---that, in his mind, would seem arrogant and bullying? It would seem Obama's vision of America is that we should assume a more humble posture to placate our enemies and become more magnanimous---- and less leaderly. It's difficult to know exactly what Obama is thinking, much less what his true compass is---but times like this are confounding even some of this staunchest supporters, who are stymied by his lack of follow up to statements and generally passive attitude regarding events in the middle east. It is becoming increasingly clear that we are in the hands of someone who has a decidedly different style of leadership---or lack thereof. And while we dither, Gaddhafi grins and dares to be taken down. Late breaking news at this moment informs that the U.N. has decided to take the dare---hopefully, it's not too late, as Gaddhafi has vehemently sworn to violently go after his opposition.

As events unfold both here and in the middle east, Japan's earthquake reminds us all that in the end, nothing much else matters, but life and loved ones. All other concerns seem trivial by comparison---yet life goes on and we must deal with all of it, knowing there isn't much we can do about natural disasters, except prepare, but much we can do as a people to remain healthy, strong, free, and productive. In the drama of human events, how much better to be a lead actor and example to the world, not simply a tired, spent, and timid nation, afraid to move for fear of political reprisal or world opinion. As our politicians threaten to shut down our government, due to their refusal to come to terms with our broken budget, one wonders where the leadership is and when and where the next crisis will come. Rahm Emanuel, once a member of Obama's cabinet and now the mayor of Chicago, once said at the beginning of Obama's presidency, "you never want a serious crisis to go to waste". He meant there was always political gain to be made during such times. It seemed like a nefarious statement at the time--now it seems more like a curse that needs to be undone. Prayer, anyone?

"The big one" in the future may not come in the form of an earthquake, but in the creeping ruin of a nation who once knew lofty greatness, the likes of which the world had never seen, but fell from grace---due to fear of heights, political gridlock, and a settling for back seat mediocrity. Prepare.

AS THE WORLD BURNS----HIDE OR HEED?

"You can run, but you can't hide", goes the old saying when things get tough. As gas prices soar, the stock market sinks, the middle east simmers in civil wars, and our government is threatening to shut down due to the budget crisis, don't you sometimes feel you need a vacation from it all? I've heard several say they simply refuse to watch their t.v. or read the newspapers any longer---too depressing and stressful. But do we dare turn our backs, close our eyes, and stick our heads in the sand? Well, it's tempting--- one wants to take a slow boat to China---uh, make that a fast plane to Tahiti or anywhere peaceful and cheap. No, forget Tahiti or even Hawaii--plane fares are rising along with the price of gas. How about Mexico, fun, warm and close by? Can you say drug cartels who take no prisoners---with no respect for the law? Yes, the resorts are quite safe, but who wants to support a country that can't afford its own citizens a decent living and continues to be intimidated by drug thugs? Well, at least we're not in Libya, where Ghadaffi seems to be winning the war against his own people quite handily by shooting them dead in the streets. Too bad we can't help them out, but that would seem over bearing and pushy, unless we can convince others to join us. Never mind that what they're fighting for is freedom, that it would be in our best interests to help bring that about, and that this dictator is out of oontrol, cruel, and sympathizes with terrorists. Our president and his administration have a different world view, which is that we should not appear to be the boss of the world. Obama's done a good job along those lines, as fewer and fewer people think of us that way---we're getting down right mediocre, unenviable---and unthreatening.Isn't that the way to be popular---not stand out so much, be nothing exceptional or special ---go along, to get along? Of course, that could mean we're now thought of as weak, indecisive, and vulnerable--- but oh well, perhaps that's the price of humility and being just one of the gang, instead of a confident leader. Let China do it for awhile. I'm sure they'll be happy to contribute to financially solving world problems and help other countries build their democracies. And it's doubtful they'll care whether the world loves them.

But before you hop on that plane, keep reading----vacuums are always filled---perhaps if it isn't China, it will be a one global government takeover---hm-m-m, haven't we heard this phrase before? It's been mentioned frequently by some very respected politician, as if they know it's inevitable. There are those who wish exactly that and those who think there are power brokers behind the scenes shaping such a world even now, as we naively stand by, thinking that all will work out eventually with or without our help. It is said that those in power count on most us not being truly informed, except for tiny bits of information which we are fed by Washington and the media---they are called "talking points" or news "bytes" and speeches are dumbed down to fit those quickie time slots of our attention. It's not that they think we are stupid or uneducated, it's that they think most of us don't take the time to delve deeper or care enough to stand up for our beliefs---after all, isn't it all "just politics" and the politicians' job to worry about the price of corn? And speaking of corn, did you know that now, by Obama's decree, and lobbied heavily by the EPA, all gasoline must have at least 15% ethanol in it? This means we get less mileage and higher gas prices---strange, but true--and not found on the front page or heard on t.v. much--nobody's complaining, because few people seem to know.

Another cause for worry and the worst case scenario is one that's floating around, but not spoken of much--too ridiculous and not at all conducive to polite, non controversial conversation---it's name is Shariah law, and is what some, not all, devout Muslims wish for not only in this country, but world wide. It is an Islamic faith based type of government in which everyone would adhere to very strict Islamic doctrinal laws, such as execution by stoning and the repression of women. Unlikely? Perhaps, but not all law and government power groups become so by noisy and violent arrival. Some come softly and stealthily, while no one suspects or conceives of the possibility. Does Nazi Germany come to mind?

And on a different and much more disturbing note, as this is being written, there is a congressional hearing being held in Washington D.C. regarding the danger of extreme Muslim Jihadist infiltration into our country via the radicalization of Muslims in America. Representative Peter King is leading this hearing, and is mostly being portrayed by the media as prejudiced and biased against all Muslims. That is probably no more true of Mr. King, than it is of the average American. We are a fair minded people, who welcome all faiths, cultures and ethnic groups, but we are also concerned about our security and perhaps this very real and present danger. The other issue is how long it has taken us to have the fortitude (or permission?) to even voice such a concern,as Mr. King brings. Right or wrong, he should have the right to offer it up for discussion and dismissal, or have it recognized as a serious concern. Kudos to Rep. King for courage. May we all weigh the facts with balance, tolerance, and fairness.

And so, as we enter springtime, when there is a thirst for peace and good will--- let us stay vigilant and present in the moment---even as we may wish to escape. As we watch our representatives refuse to seriously tackle the national budget, including our president,it is hard to think positively. Does anybody have what it takes to confront and solve unpopular issues? Enter Scott Walker, the governor of Wisconsin. Here's a man with uncommon valor, no matter whether you agree with him or not. He took a look at the state budget and decided that the unions had to kick in a little more and give up their collective bargaining rights or everyone was going to suffer with massive layoffs and higher taxes. By the way, this did not include the right to bargain for salaries, as was so infrequently reported by the press. Last night, in spite of the Democrat Senators' ploy to refuse to vote on this issue, the bill was passed by the Republicans. Amazing and laudable in this day of government shut-down threats, due to weak Washington officials who so far have only come up to a 65 billion reduction to our 14 trillion and growing deficit, and don't have the courage to do anything other than fight among themselves, like children instead of the wise and brave men and women we hoped they would be.

What to do about all the unrest and unpleasantness? Leave for greener pastures? Tune out? There are no greener pastures---we're as green as it gets, and some would say greener. Stay tuned in, read all sides of the issues, but don't believe everything you read, and keep the faith. This is the season of hope, and there is always that---but hope can only float for so long. Get involved, contact your local and national representatives, and dare to speak your mind---the dialogue of a nation depends on all of us talking, and must not be filled with only those bold enough to be heard. Take that slow boat to where ever, but bring along your Ipad---you'll need it to keep up, and keep up we must, or we may get left behind, as those who lead will assume we don't know or care to take the time to get involved---and we do, don't we??

Here's an idea---instead of grousing about the high price of gas, we could start with more voices demanding domestic oil drilling---then watch the price of gas go down, airline fares will follow, and even the civil wars in the middle east may be affected as they see we are not going to be so dependent on their oil,thereby allowing us to be more pure in our diplomatic connections with them. What a difference one bold action can make---are there any more Scott Walkers out there? Yes, I believe there are---they come from us,the people who elect them and give them voice--- but only if they hear yours first, loud and clear. Did I hear a t.v. click on-- or off??

FROM DUST TO DUST----ASH WEDNESDAY USHERS IN HOPE

Whether you believe our existence is the result of "the big bang" or the hand of God, we all pretty much agree we come from matter, a sort of universal dirt---and that eventually our parts wear out, and our bodies return to dust. Dying is a part of living, and eventually we all accept our fate---but every Spring, there is proof that it is possible, at least within the world of nature, for life to overcome death. It is encouraging and comforting, but still the controversy goes on between people who believe in the possibility of human resurrection and those who don't. If you look around about this time of year, you will find some who do, and they are known by a cross---not the kind worn around the neck, but on the forehead. What's up with that? They are wearing their faith for all to see, like a temporary tattoo, which is almost in your face and shocking in this day of political correctness, which frowns upon ever discussing religion, let alone one's own personal faith. But before you judge this tradition, and those who practice it, realize it is done, not so much to evangelize or promote, but as a sincere sign of humility, repentance, and connection to a long ago event. It is making a quiet, but profound statement in an otherwise almost taboo conversation. The more I see it, the more I love it--it bears witness to an old, old story.

The Christian faith uses spring as time of renewal and repentance for our sins. It is called the Lenten Season, and builds up to Easter, when the Christian faith is fully realized in celebration of the death and resurrection of a man called Jesus Christ. This is the core of the Christian faith, and though much is made of Christmas, it is Easter that gives such profound hope and meaning to those who call themselves Christian. But inherent in the joy of Easter, is a duty to recognize the high price that was paid in order for humanity to be saved. Saved from what? Ourselves, and our inability to re-connect after this life back to our Source. It seems something went terribly wrong and messed up the original divine plan--so plan B went into effect, and it was called Christ, Emmanuel, Savior of the world. Incredible story? A fairy tale? There are those who insist it is a grand embellishment and deification of a simple, but good man, who at most was possibly sent to be an example---forget the part of his rising after the third day of his death. Please--that would be an unforgettable miracle, and we all know miracles are rare and not at all scientific. Yet, miraculously,that story has lived on for over 2000 years. Rare.

Next Wednesday is called "Ash Wednesday", the official beginning of the Lenten season, which lasts for 40 days and symbolizes a banishment from God during that time. In recognition of this day, many Christians will go to their churches, and some will have a cross drawn on their foreheads in ash to emphasize the one thing Christians believe will free them from--- the literal hell of sin. That one thing is repentance, and it is the only price asked of us, in return for forgiveness of sin. What a quaint idea, sin. It is a word we joke about these days, but it is an inescapable part of the human condition. Charlie Sheen will tell you all about it, though he may not call itt hat, and we will watch sadly as his life pathetically falls apart because of it. He is not alone. We all know our own sins and those of the world we live in. Few Christians discuss their faith in public,fewer still discuss sin--but it is that which makes us human and which allows us to understand and forgive each other.

The Easter story is that once upon a time, a man called Christ, died on a cross for the sins of the world, so that we might have a second chance, a clean slate---a new springtime. When he died, some of his last words were requests of his God to forgive those who had unmercifully and unjustifiably crucified him. How very odd, and not at all human like. His final words were, according to Christian scripture, "It is finished". What was finished? His unbelievably selfless mission, and the completion of plan B. It was not only a triumph of good over evil, but Himself correcting the fatal flaw of humanity, which is our irresistable attraction to sin, and somehow finding a way to bring us home in spite of it. He promised to do just that, and Christians everywhere rejoice every Spring in that promise.

Well,that's quite a tall tale. Different faiths put different spins on it,but the main message still rings loud and clear down through the years-- it's not the cross, but the man who died on it, and why. Take it or leave it, it's the story of Easter. But before you dismiss it as child's play, give it yet another thought---especially at this time of year, when everything old becomes miraculously new again--and all of us could use a little hope for a better ending and a God who knows how to forgive and keep promises. And remember, there once was a time when we thought the world was flat---until we knew a little more.

Wisconsin Waterloo??

Who does Scott Walker think he is, anyway?? For starters, he is the Gov of Wisconsin, and he is doing exactly what he campaigned on in the fall---to balance the budget. That's his number one job, and it's not going to get done by "kicking the can down the road", as so many politicians do. So, give this man a little credit for courage, and a little more for integrity and then a dollop extra for plain common sense. He has actually asked the teachers and other union employees to pay a little more towards their pension funds and to kick in a little for their health care, which up to now has been a free benefit for teachers. On top of that, he has requested an end to collective bargaining, a highly controversial issue. What?!! How can he do this? Isn't that tantamount to taking the power away from the people? There are those who say that, and some Democrats are even threatening to bring "blood" to the streets to fight this "outrageous" threat to the unions.Doesn't sound like very civil talk, does it? But civility goes out the window when one's livelihood is challenged, and that is evidently what is happening here, though shrouded in "principle" and "worker's rights".

The problem is that there appears to be no other way to prevent the state of Wisconsin from going broke. Something had to give, because the alternative will be massive lay-offs and/or higher taxes for everybody. The "people" in this case are the citizens of Wisconsin, including many who are not union workers. So, who's rights need protecting, and is it right for the private sector, the non-union members in Wisconsin, to have the weight of the broken budget placed more so on their backs? But doesn't that mean that "Joe", the non-union worker pays twice---once, for his own tax contribution, and then again for his neighbor's union perks via taxes? Is that fair? Not really, but life isn't fair sometimes, and the money has to come from somewhere to support the unions, which supposedly protect "the people"---but wait, in this case, "the people" are the people of Wisconsin, not a big, powerful corporation. The day of reckoning appears to have arrived----there's no money left in the till. The bad news is---Wisconsin is just the tip of the tipping point. Indiana and New Jersey have already managed to cut their budgets by reducing union expenses. California,New York, and many other states will have to soon face the same reality---budgets have to be trimmed, and much of the budget goes to unions.

Don't look for this issue to get resolved without a fight from the unions, their members, or the Democrat party. President Obama , himself,who one would hope would show a little presidential restraint and tend more to his own budget crisis, has weighed in on the Wisconsin battle saying that "it seems like an assault on unions". And to be honest, he and all Democrats have motivation to protect and defend the unions--for they are one of the heaviest contributors to Democrat party election coffers. Which also, in a very convoluted way, means that all of us, both private and public employees, are contributing to the Democrat party, like it or not, by virtue of the taxes paid to help support the unions.

So, keep an eye on Wisconsin and those who are leading the charge for change---it's a huge change, and one which could spread across the country and tip the balance of power---away from the people? Or is it really perhaps power back to the people and away from unions which have become too big not to fail? Paradoxically, unions, which originally were formed as protection against big business greed and employee abuse--have increasingly become their own big business with their own form of greed and employee oppression,not to mention that they have become a huge financial force within the Democrat party. Labor spent 400 million to elect President Obama in 2008. They are still very much needed for balance and fairness, but forcing workers to be union members, funneling union money into one political party's campaign funds which, by the way, bears a striking resemblance to money laundering of public and private taxes, and enforcing strikes against the welare of the public, has become too heavy handed and contrary to American ideals. The polls are showing a decided slant against government union power. When the "gimmees" exceed that which is actually available, then the game may be up for union leaders, who like all the rest of us, must learn the same lesson---moderation in all things, and in cases of busted budgets, serious sacrifices.

The 14 Democrat Senators from Wisconsin who left the state in order to avoid the process of voting on this issue, should be reprimanded and perhaps relieved of their duties---have they not heard that their first obligation is to "the people" of Wisconsin? That would be all of the people, not just the union members. Showing up would be not only admirable, but should be obligitory for keeping one's job---or are they more concerned about 2012, than actually putting in a good day's work? Oh, I get it---it's whatever pleases the party that gets one voted back into office that's really necessary. Yes, that is called survival and sometimes, unfortunately does trump a true work ethic, regardless of the fact that a Senator is a public servant-- and that's what gives politics such a dirty rap.

Will this be the public union's moment of truth----a waterloo that's been a long time coming, and an example of one of the ways this country will finally pull itself away from the cliff of extreme entitlement generosity at the expense of the private sector? Keep watching---before posting this blog, the Wisconsin Republican Assembly passed the Governor Walker's bill---without the presence of the 14 boycotting Senators. Now it goes to the Senate--where there are troubled waters ahead. The fat lady hasn't sung yet on this one---when she finally does, one hopes reason, fairness, and balance will have been restored.

Beware of the media's tendency on this issue---which is to dramatically and incorrectly compare it with what's happening in Egypt and other mid eastern countries. Those are struggles for democracy against unscrupulous dictators and extreme living conditions. What's happening in Wisconsin is a critical budget matter, plain and simple---and it's happening all over the country. Most Americans agree that unions are an important part of our democracy, and to accuse others of trying to dismantle them is wrong and disingenuous. What is right and honest, is that the unions too, must learn to live within their means, that being the state in this case---so that they may continue to guard and protect, not bully and rule, in this very troubling time of financial crisis. Wisconsin today---who and what's next?

Doin' the Washington Two-step to the Budget Blues

It's dirty work, but somebody's gotta do it. We are bleeding internally from a horrendous debt load, and it must be stemmed. We need a courageous leader to do the job, and Obama seems reluctant to be so. In his budget speech on Monday, Obama stated that he will use a scalpel, rather than a machete to make the necessary initial cuts. How very careful and astute sounding---careful not to strike the first blow, and astute so as not to get blamed or blown away. Those are the words of a man not ready to take on the burdensome task of slashing and cutting programs and entitlements and special interest group monies.

It's apparently just too much to ask of any one politician, including this president, to take dramatic, possibly vote losing steps to ----save a country from possible financial ruin and future woes. But it would be so admirable and refreshing if he had. Instead, his thinking seems to be that there will always be time later, and for now, we can hope that things will turn around, and that the "investments" we make will actually make money for us in the future. In addition, the president plans to gain thirty nine trillion in taxes----and spend forty six trillion. You don't even have to do the math. But he is banking on heavy spending on education, clean energy innovation, and infrustructure to pay big dividends later. One of his pet projects appears to be a high-speed rail transportations system, similar to Japan and parts of Europe. Seriously? Obama has already allocated eight billion dollars toward this dream train. Would someone please tell Obama that we are not Europe, our geographics are not at all conducive to such a plan, it will take years , way too much money to install, and many think it will never get done. Nor do we fancy ourselves giving up our cars---I'm sorry, but this is not a people who are going to go backwards in time. Find another idea---like allowing more deep well drilling in our own country---that might make a difference right now. So would assuring big business that the government isn't going to continue to over regulate and over tax them. The market must be allowed to flow again, not be so restrained by fear of reprisal; and yes, we must take a chance on them once again. We are a capitalistic society, and cannot allow it to be choked by overzealous politicians, some of whom seem to threaten the very core of our historical success and identification---self motivation, and less government intervention.

There was little mention in the president's speech of entitlement cuts, especially medicare and social security---these have to be addressed, but like a duo holy grail, they remain so far, untouched--and that's because it will hurt everyone, and nobody wants to take responsibility. But it appears it must be done. On the other hand, the military was curiously mentioned as a target of cuts. Even taking into account the plan to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, it seems, in this era of terrorism, a questionable tactic to downsize our defense finances.

But President's budget speech was just a preamble or a curtain rising on much further debate and deep, painful digging into potential areas of spending elimination. President Obama is nothing, if not clever, and he is no doubt waiting for others, such as the Republicans to introduce the more unpopular, machete cutting topics, thereby relieving him of the duty. He will stand aside, with his scalpel, and claim he is doing more important, larger picture, but less invasive work---and let someone else do the more serious surgery---which he knows must be done. We all do--but who wants to go first? The Republicans, perhaps even more so than the president, must be held accountable to do what they were mandated to do---stop all unnecessary spending. Will they have the courage, or will they too do the Washington two step?

In the meanwhile, too many people are still out of work, the housing industry is still on its knees, and, and our debt is not going away or even getting smaller. The budget recommendations given by the president's own budget commission are not being heeded; because in spite of our predicament, political heads will rule over common sense. How dare they ignore all the screaming warning signals for their own political future? China is rising and racing fast. It has now surpassed Japan as the second largest economy in the word, and indeed owns most of our debt. Time will tell, and we are using that up as well--the American people do not like indecision, procrastination, and much as we like to live well, we are also learning quickly to live within our means. It's time for the U.S. government to do the same, and stop catering to those groups who insist upon doing business as usual. These are not usual times , and we no longer can afford to oil every wheel that squeaks----nor can special interest groups put their interests above all others.

There are those who fear the budget cutting will be done at the expense of the middle class and the poor. Much of this is political rhetoric, designed to villianize the Republicans, but it is precisely the poor and middle class who are hurting the most now, due to unemployment---which will not begin to show true improvement until we get the wheels of commerce turning again, which will not happen until commerce has incentive to produce and hire, and people once again have faith and confidence in a financially stable country. The jobs will then hopefully follow,and slowly we will begin to dig ourselves out of this close to depression recession. It's the old dominoe effect, much of which is psychological, but mind over matter can be powerful medicine and the road back to true health is never done by avoiding the problem. The president and congress can begin to make us,the patient,feel better by giving us a more realistic budget, and a pathway to if not where we were, a launching pad to better times.

This is crunch time for President Obama, Democrat, and Republican leaders. We are quite frankly, broke. For the benefit of all of us, put away your differences--- take off your party hats, and get out your pens to scrap the truly unnecessary, and save only that which we really need to survive and thrive. We and future generations are depending upon you. Higher and more taxes? Maybe and probably, but not before we've done everything we can to avoid it. Taxes have never been known to spur economies.

Scalpel, please? According to the newly released report from the Congressional Budget Office, the president's new proposals are projected to increase the national deficit by 2.3 trillion dollars more over a period of ten years. Not only is this way over what Obama had predicted, it's incredibly careless sounding, if not downright outrageous. Pass the machete---and the Manichewitz.

TRUE LOVE??

Years ago, when Bing Crosby crooned "True Love---I love you Samantha, and my love will never die" I thought, "get out of town", who could possibly feel like that? Later, I started to feel it a little when I heard Elvis Presley sing "Love Me Tender,"---okay, I get it--- but, really?? Years rolled by, and still I felt---nothing. If this apathy continued, I thought, I must be missing something--possibly the "true love" gene. Then one fine day, it happened. It took only one look, ---Hello, Love, I've been waiting for you. You are everything I've ever heard about you--- including an achey break-ey heart. And that was that. Years passed, along with many proposals and pretenders, but none rang true. Then,one fine day, as if by appointment, and right on time ---he swept me down the aisle in a flurry of romance, roses, hope, and commitment--- and I thought, there, finally---I'm one of those who loves and is loved, like Bing and Samantha, and that must be that. Wrong.

A year later, it happened again---a young man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and slight dimple in his chin, stole my heart away forever. I'll never love anyone else like this, I thought--

About five years later, much to my surprise, a new love arrived on my scene---this one had very little hair, beautiful hazel eyes, and was so easy, sweet, and fun to be around. This was true love at first sight. My love would never die---

Then, quite unexpectedly, only eighteen months later, I came face to face with the most charming guy--he was a little on the short side, but had brown curly hair, blue eyes almost the color of mine, and he made me laugh--I loved that, and him like nobody else.

And so, you see, love can happen not at all for the longest time, and then it can keep happening over and over again---even when you least expect it or don't think you want or need it. Of course, you must know I have been speaking of my three children---each one loved in a different way. And you have all probably heard the age old question from your children--- " But which one of us do you love the most?" They never believe the answer we all give, do they? "All the same, my dears. but different, and my love will never die--- no matter what." But it's true---true love.

Love can even happen while your're in love with someone else other than your children or your spouse---a good friend who's been married for a long time one day took another love into her life---shocking! She glows whenever she speaks his name, and seems so happy, that you can't help but be happy for her. Her new sweetheart's name is "Maurice"---he's an Havanese puppy (that is, from Havana) and if I could, I'd steal him away from her---would that make me "the other woman"?

Of course, this sort of thing can happen outside of dogs---we all know of second and third marriages. So--- does true love really go the distance? Some do, some very lucky few. If you are among those, you chose wisely and well the first time--- or maybe the second or third time! If his of hers is still the music that makes you dance, you are even luckier, because sometimes love changes into more of a commitment, an obligation, or even a habit. Maybe that's why we promise to stay together till death do us part---we take vows, sign cerificates and pre-nuptial agreements---hedging our bets just in case love dies---and often, it does. Forever is a long time, and the heart never lies----it can only surrender, refuse to, resign, break, or choose to do nothing---always a heart, never a valentine.

The best sort of love is the rare gem of a love that goes on even after the first blush or gush is gone, and what remains is a deeper feeling---yes, the songly "my love will never die" version, but more than that, the "I'm here, by your side, I'll always love you, and I'll never leave you---no matter what" kind. It sparkles and shines even after years of use. If you have it, hang on to it---it's true love. If you don't---well, you're not alone. There are now more singles in this country, than there are married couples. But it may be worth the wait, or the hunt---regardless of changing mores, we still long for that one true love.

"How do you know if it's the real deal?" One of the above mentioned children once asked me. "If you can't imagine life without that person." was the best I could come up with at the time. But, I wanted to add---"It's still a crap shoot, Baby--cross your fingers, follow your heart, with your head not far behind, and then---Happy landings!"

Happy Valentine's Day everyone---may your love never die. And if you are already somebody's Samantha, or Bing--- may you return the favor.

Now, to those purists who think I can't mix a little politics with this week's romantic blog--- watch me! This is an exercise in chatty, stimulating, informative, and highly entertaining conversation, not an editorial or even a love letter! It may be Valentine season here, but the planet keeps turning and hurting. Can we not pretend just for a little while,that what the world and all us really need is, you got it---true love. Oh, come on, lighten up---that may be terrribly lame, and not at all true, but it sure sounds good about now.

So, here's to you, too, Egypt, with love---May you find your true destiny, and may it not break your hearts.

THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION

The Egyptian uprising is more of an exclamation than a question----they made their point very clear---'we want change, and we want it now!' President Mubarak has no choice but to step down, the sooner the better or risk the consequences. The people have spoken and once again shown the universal thirst and quest for liberty and individual rights against a dictatorship,however benevolent it may have been---and however tied to U.S. interests it was. To Mubarak's credit, it has not yet turned into a blood bath, as it could have---perhaps because it was so sudden, large,and unpredictable. Happening on the heels of a civil riot and change of President in Tunisia, this outbreak seemed to echo the age old cry---free us from our misery, or we will burn the house down. Indeed, they have much to complain about, with unemployment at staggering levels, illiteracy rampant, and poverty the standard of living, they were a pot ready to boil over. But the question is, where and how do they get to a different place? And will that place be worse than the last?

Democracy, or even something similar, is not easily born or put quickly into place---particularly without any clear leader or order. Who will fill the vacuum left by Mubarek is the real question. There seems at this point to be no obvious answers. Egypt is a mix of forces, including the military, the ruling regime---and the questionable group known as "The Brotherhood of Muslims", a supposedly non-violent Islamic group, with ties to Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization. If they do grab the reigns of power, we have much reason for worry---thus, the reticence of Obama to finally ask Mubarek to step down, which Obama has done, but only because it seemed he had no choice in the matter. We had supported his regime, because he was the lesser of other evils in the mid east, and because he supported Israel and our own oil interests in the region. But in the end, the tide of events driven from sources we may never know about were too strong to push back. Our involvement was too little, too late---and now, we await the outcome. Could this be the beginning of more extreme Muslim control in the middle east, thereby tightening their grip on oil and promotion of anti-American sentiment? That is the concern, the almost unspoken fear that we face, and it is real. It is even terrifyingly more real for Israel. With Jordan also beginning to shake in terms of a changing of their cabinet and policies, Israel stands warily looking on, as their future hangs even more untenably in the balance.

Nobody knows where this latest development will lead, but it seems that as a worried world watches, huge, possibly cataclysmic events are beginning to shape a far different political landscape. Who are the real architects, and if they are only the masses, without a common focus or organization, who will they choose to rebuild, and what will their country and lives look like? More important to us, what will we look like if we choose to do nothing more than observe or go with the flow? The complexity and balance of a world free from religious tyranny, oppression, and terrorism is hard to come by, and in this case can we adhere to a policy of hands-off? To allow those who would attempt to go it alone, is to risk not only their failure, but also the fragility of emerging democracies to be hi-jacked by those who seek their own self serving power and stifling agendas---and the effects of that could be devastating to many other nations, including ours.

President Obama's plate is full---but it is about to overflow. Is he ready for the challenge? Are we? We do not wish to inject ourselves into the affairs of others---but to remain removed and uninvolved may be too dangerous, not only for us, for all of the middle east. That is but one of the dilemmas as Egypt cries out, and we answer in Obama's words--"we hear you". Interestingly, those were the exact words of President George W. Bush, as he stood atop the 9/11 rubble and spoke into a bullhorn Though he was speaking to the rescue workers, he was really speaking to all of us, as we cried out in anger and anguish at the destruction and murder of our people. He went on to say that the terrorists would hear from us soon. They did, and we have been furiously debating those decisions ever since. It is not an easy task to do the right thing at the right time, in these days of civil unrest, changing allegiances, and fluid power plays---to say nothing of terrorism. Stay tuned---and say a prayer---the future is unfolding at an almost alarming pace, even as this is being written. The battle for freedom and passionate struggle for a better life are ancient and mighty, but so too are the forces for power and agendas of those who wish to rule and dictate. Diplomacy is needed, wisdom is key, but the tipping point will come from strength,will,and an organized hand---may it be the hand of democracy.

Long ago, in the land of Egypt, there were a people who cried out---"Let my people go"---they were the Jews, and they finally found their freedom. Ironic that now, in the land of Israel, they and we who guard it, face a threatening Egypt once again.