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REFLECTIONS ON OUR TIMES

May was certainly a busy month at the Synagogue. It began with a Shabbat dinner and discussion with Brian Shankman, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. In light of the presidential candidates' recently announced position regarding Iran's potential threat to the State of Israel, his comments were certainly timely and thought-provoking. The following Sunday, Bolton Street Synagogue was host to a fun-filled (if not sun-filled) "Israel at 60 Festival," featuring games, food, and plenty of activities that were fun for both young and old. Thank you to Mike Green, to all of the teachers, and to all others who made this glorious day a rousing success. You have much to be proud of and we look forward to an even bigger event next year!

On May 21st, we hosted yet another fascinating forum featuring The Honorable Joseph Murphy, Associate Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, The Honorable Peter Krauser, Chief Judge of the Court of Special Appeals, The Honorable Allen Schwait, and Rabbi Panitz. Those in attendance were treated to a two-hour dialogue about the Biblical roots of our legal system. (More to come in the next column after I actually attend the event!). A long summer respite is now in the future and I do hope that everyone enjoys the dog days that will soon be upon us.

Previously, I wrote about the young man who has been accused of methodically killing his father, mother and two siblings. Today, he continues to sit in a jail being examined by myriad psychiatrists. Recently, we have seen verdicts handed down for the unprovoked and senseless attack of a woman on an MTA bus. There has been an increase in violence in our schools, with teachers being assaulted and battered by their young students and, remarkably, being blamed for the senseless acts of violence by the children. One cannot look at the Baltimore Sun, the Examiner, or The Afro, and not read story after story about violence in our city, so much of which is Black on Black crime. And the first 10 minutes of every local television news broadcast is rife with such stories, interspersed only with those perky weather folks. The voices of the African-American community are too silent. Are Gregory Kane and Bill Cosby the lone voices of reason? Where are the protestations of Reverends Sharpton, Jackson and the local clergy?

Our economy continues to slide into a recession while prices continue to soar. Today, a barrel of crude oil is selling for more than $120.00. The average price of a gallon of gas is approaching $4.00, and diesel surpassed that amount weeks ago. We continue to rely upon imported oil, yet some are advocating for a gas tax holiday that would serve only to increase the demand for gas. This country does not have a viable long term policy for energy independence. Rather, we court dangerous dictatorships to ensure the free flow of oil and continue to extol the virtues of drilling in the Alaskan wilderness - a time consuming and expensive proposition that will not lead us to energy independence.

Home foreclosures are rampant, money managers are in line to receive government bailouts, and millions of Americans go without health insurance. We spend billions of dollars overseas on the war on terror and New Orleans continues to wallow in the wake of Katrina.

Most Americans can give you the full biography of the finalists on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, but could not give one detail about Senator Clinton's health care proposal. We know all too much about Brittney, K-Fed and the Olson twins, but who can discuss Senator Obama's position on the right to choose or Senator McCain's energy plan?

People are not taking enough time to educate themselves about the important issues that we face. Perhaps we are in a state of information overload. Folks appear to be inclined to accept the status quo and sit back and allow these things to happen. The challenges that face us locally, nationally and globally require us to take a stand. No matter your political affiliation, it is absolutely necessary that we learn about the momentous issues that face us, develop well-informed opinions, and make sure your voices are heard.

- Justin King

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