The four essentials for national recovery - I just have to have my say

This is my epic piece. As I review my 92 years I feel the time has come to put in perspective the lessons I've learned and make one final, unsolicited, statement relative to the country – and perhaps the world. It's necessary because I feel we are facing a situation even more difficult and complex than World War II. Certainly there is now the threat of military annihilation and the challenge of globalization. Yet this is all accentuated by the fact that our country has lost its way because of a failure of leadership and national morality.

Yet this can be the dawning of a new age – just as the "discovery" of the "NEW WORLD" seemed to develop new opportunities for a new start around the 16th century. (How we muffed it by conquering native peoples and enslaving others is another story.) I believe there is a realization today that the world is truly "ONE WORLD" and that we must make it just that, or we are in danger of LOSING OUR WORLD.

I believe the future can be unlimited if we realize the opportunity that is here by giving voice to these four issues and movements.

1. The ideals and aspirations of young people.
2. The continued increased contribution of women on the National scene.
3. The wisdom of the oracles. I find it fascinating that in trying to write the word, "Prophets" my a Dragon dictation machine persisted in spelling "Profits". At last a machine smarter than humans. The scourge of the American society has been to enthrone and equate power with monetary excess.
4. An understanding of the importance of the tribal phenomenon.

While the first two items encourage me by their present progress, my overriding concern is with the last two. Certainly the "tribal phenomenon" is a present buzzword. Yet it is one aspect of this causes me the greatest concern:

THE DIVISIVE POWER OF RELIGION.

It is this topic that I shall devote myself to after a weeks hiatus with my family in Michigan. As a lifelong church-goer I respect the moral teachings of worldwide religion. Yet I have grown to perceive it as one of the primary causes of our broken world.

In the near future I look forward to clarifying what I feel can be a new way to use religion to provide harmony in the world.

My dependence upon immigrants.

How I wish I could tell out president how very important immigrants are to me.  The doctor who relieved my back pain yesterday hails from India.  No longer able to drive because of age, I was transported by an Uber driver who came from Haiti.  I returned home with a driver from Eritrea.  Both drivers felt they were lucky to be lottery winners.  And so it is with most of my medical professionals.

ANOTHER LESSON AT UBER U - Intended For President Trump

How was I to know that there was someone in the backseat leaning against the door? She almost fell out as I opened the door, but I was quick to note her gorgeous platinum hair and exquisite handbag! Naturally I quickly shut the door, went to the driver's side, apologized and tried to remain remain quiet for the rest of the ride while only gazing forward.

But I could restrain myself only so long and begin a conversation with the driver, John. Finally getting to my "attention-getting statement, 'I'm 92'” I was finally able to look at the young lady as she spoke in what I learned was a Ukrainian accent. How fascinating to learn that she has been here as a refugee for one year but her status is uncertain. Her crime? Participating in rallies against government corruption and support of the LGBT community!

Oh how I would like to have our president each day read the words on the Statue of Liberty:

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

How I wish everyone in our country could read the following!

It is my pleasure and honor to lead the reading of the following prayer at the Bat Mitzvah service of "granddaughter" Sadie Foer tomorrow. I feel it magnificently represents the prayer of all of us at this most critical time for our country. Yet knowing the commitment of Sadie – and thousands of other young people I have known in my lifetime – I have every confidence that with their leadership and values our nation will endure with values and morals in tact.

Please join me in reading this telling and timely

Prayer for our Country

Our God and God of our ancestors with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government.

Pour out your blessed upon this land, upon its inhabitants upon its leaders, its judges, officers, and officials who faithfully devote themselves to the needs of the public.

Help them understand the rules of justice you have decreed so that peace and security, happiness and freedom, will never depart from our land.

Ad-don-i – God, whose spirit is in all creatures, we pray that your spirit be awakened within all the inhabitants of our land. Uproot from our hearts hatred and malice, jealousy and strife. Plant love and companionship, peace and friendship among the many peoples and faiths who dwell in our nation. Grant us the knowledge to judge justly, the wisdom to act with compassion, and the understanding and courage to root out poverty from our land.

May it be your will that our land be a blessing to all who dwell on earth, and may you cause all people to dwell in friendship and freedom. Speedily fulfill the vision of your prophets: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

“For all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know me.”

And let us say.............Amen

*Spelling adjusted for pronunciation sake.