A Wise Friend In A Troubling Time

When the world is confusing and not understandable, it helps to look to the words of those who are wiser than us. Today I was struck by a Facebook posting from my friend, lunch buddy, and fellow Bruce Springsteen fan Joel Stern. Joel, a retired attorney, frequently writes eloquently about his personal battle with cancer. Today he has done a marvelous job encapsulating his beliefs on the crisis in the Middle East and on campuses here at home. I echo most of his views, and with his permission, I am printing a lightly edited version of his Facebook remarks.

I am a proud centrist. Proud because centrists bring people together and not apart. Proud because centrists can understand either party’s position and even side with the other party when he/she thinks they are right. I also see the same issues arising globally and if you follow history, this period of time looks very similar to the 1930s and we all know what happened next.

Today, I do feel compelled to write about the college protests going on throughout the United States. Let me start with some high level views. First, I am a great believer in free speech. Second, I am very supportive of peaceful protests done pursuant to the law. Third, I have no issue with people speaking and protesting about views I unequivocally disagree with, Fourth, I want peace in the Middle East. I hate the killing of innocent children (and adults) and the inability for a “real” peace to occur.

What I can’t support is an antisemitic movement masked by a pro-Palestinian protest. What I can’t stand is professional protestors with no allegiance to a cause but only money spearheading these protests. What I have disdain for is many of the protestors on campus are not even students. What I abhor is many protestors not even understanding why they are protesting and who have no idea of the complicated history in the Middle East and no idea what “from the sea to the river means.” What I hate is the brain manipulation that is being done on young college students who have no clue why they are protesting. The “dummying up” of America is happening on college campuses – this is the opposite of what college needs to be about. What I will not accept is protestors hailing Hamas as saviors and the victims and not even understanding the difference between Palestinians and Hamas. What I hate is the ignoring of what happened October 6, 2023. At least be consistent in your views of innocent people dying. To ignore what happened in October is confirmation of your singular purpose. What I don’t like is protests impacting parents’ ability to get their kids from schools or a son trying to fly to another city to see his ailing father but because of protests by the airport is not able to make his plane. What I detest is our children (our future) not being able to get an education because of these protests. If the protestors believe their actions are leading to a change of mind and heart in Americans, they are sorely wrong. It is having the opposite effect. Shame!

I hope and pray for peace. I want Israelis and Palestinians to find a way to live in peace even if that means a separate country for Palestinians. I want colleges to have the balls to protect their universities and students so students can take courses to learn including “free thought.” There is no freaking way protestors should be able to take over buildings. This needs to stop. I want people to first seek to understand and then solve versus ready, fire aim mentality. I want the centrists to force their political parties to represent the majority will and not the crazies on both sides of the party. As said in “Network” – “I’m mad as hell and am not going to take it anymore!”

I couldn’t say it better, so I am glad Joel has said it for me. Readers, let me know your thoughts.