The sun rises and the sun sets.... everything that Gd made, that will be forever; we cannot add to it, nor can we subtract from it; and Gd made it so that they fear Him....

 

"Who knows that the spirit of the children of men is that which ascends on high and the spirit of the beast is that which descends below to the earth?"

-- Shlomo HaMelech /Solomon, King in Jerusalem

 

This morning's "Middle East headlines" are typical of our time, and if you can't see the anti-Israel, Jew-hating slants in them, then I can't help you. 

Visiting Daddy in Prison: A Palestinian Ordeal (Time.com)

Sick Gazans victims of Hamas-Fatah power struggle (AP)

Palestinian theatre offers youths a breath of freedom (AFP)

Venezuela establishes ties with Palestinians (AP)

UN chief raps 'intimidation' by Lebanon militias (AFP)

Israel built, planned 9,000 homes on war-won land (AP)

Hamas, Fatah in Cairo in 'last' bid to end feud (AFP)

Abbas refuses to recognise Israel as Jewish state (AFP)

Palestinians build stage for pope next to barrier (AP)

Arabs who hack Jewish children to death with axes, or blow them up in buses, or crush them with bulldozers are not monsters, they are victims. As such, they are entitled to billions of dollars from Americans and should be handed their country on a silver platter. They should be given a country... not because they are so intent on building a better life for their people, but because they cannot manage themselves in the least and consistently put all their resources toward the hatred and mass killing of Jews. And p.s., their country has to be right smack dab in the cradle of Jewish civilization. And it must be Jew-free. Judenrein.  Within living memory of the Shoah, the word doesn't bother people anymore.  Ethnic cleansing is fine, as long as it's Jews, sufficiently dehumanized and villified before, during and after, as evil, dangerous "settlers."

On the other hand, note that Arabs viciously killing one another is just a "feud" - or a "power stuggle" - hardly worth mentioning.  So what if Hamas throws people off the tops of building and sets up command and control centers in hospitals?  Arab rights trump "human rights" every time. And that's because of Jews. If Arabs weren't the enemies of Jews, they wouldn't be in the headlines and no one would waste their money or their sympathy on them.

In case you haven't gotten my point after six years of blogging, the press is anti-Jew. Or pro-terrorist. Either way, it's poison. Dangerous poison.

"... in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge, increases pain."

Six years ago I was even more of a fool than I am now.  I thought that if I pointed out their bias, the "journalists" would realize the error of their ways, fix it, and apologize.  Of course they've done nothing of the sort and if anything, their rhetorical rampage against the legitimacy of the existence of the only Jewish country in the world has only deepened. And widened. And one day it will eat you too. 

Who's going to stop it?  Not me; I tried. I tried for six days a week for six years. I tried in nearly 10,000 blog posts (and that doesn't even count the first year and a half at the old address).

Yesterday was my 6th blogiversary and I couldn't even blog.  There is nothing left for me to say.  It's all in the archives -- a modern, electronic version of Anne's diary. But I am stopping before they come for me, because I am not "a Young Girl."  I don't want the world's sympathy or empathy or to be remembered wistfully. I want to live. And be free. And flourish and prosper. Which brings us to the American Dream.

It's funny/odd that my blogiversary coincides  collides with the ever-so-grand culmination of Barack Obama's First One Hundred Days as President.  When asked "What does your wife do? " The Husband often answers, "She is saving the world." I wish I could have. I wish I could have saved America from Barack Hussein Obama. In a hundred days he has turned this country upside down and inside out, and ruined it... for generations to come.  He will set up a cardboard socialist regime in its place, run by radical leftist baby boomers and Muslims. A cheap dictatorship with no gravitas. There will be no more Thomas Jefferson or Founding Fathers. No more principles. No more freedom.  In no time at all, America will be Cuba writ large.

Even now, Government is the only act in town. If you want your business to continue, then you do business with or through the Government. That's where the money is, and the only growth. Soon you will have to go to the Government if you are sick. Good luck with that.

You can feel the freedom seep away (along with relative safety and general prosperity). Sure, you can still smoke cigarettes - the President does - but they are suddenly unaffordable by way of new taxes (another reason I have to quit blogging). The new taxes will go to your government health care for which you won't qualify since you smoke.  And sure, you can still build one of those (Ew-dirty) coal-fired power plants, but the government will bankrupt you if you try. Besides, they already have that revenue ($64.5 billion a year) built into the Budget.  All in the name of Crises -- cum opportunities.  

What's half a million unemployed coal miners, anyway?  People don't care for them to begin with, so when the unemployment figures come out, you just repeat some  "bushtorture" and Halliburton buzzwords, maybe a little Madoff or "executive bonuses," and get ACORN to whip up a demonstration - duly regurgitated by the media which surrendered truth to power long ago. It's easy... you summon up the ghost of Dick Cheney as Darth Vader and throw some red (herring) meat to the liberal masses. Or you can give a speech about race and villify the few remaining "typical white people."  Meanwhile, you make it nearly impossible for them to buy, sell or have the guns and ammo they're always clinging to. And religion? Pff. How non-progressive can you get? Christians are ridiculed right of out of any conversation in the public forum. And everyone knows the Jews are scared (it seems to be in our DNA now, not to rock the boat while it sinks).  And sure, you can protest all this - like the tea partiers did over out-of-control spending and the specter of the hyperinflation to follow - but the media will ridicule and demonize you and the FBI will investigate you.  Do you get my drift? Sure, there's a Constitution, but you just ignore it, act like it doesn't exist, and corruption can easily triumph over The People. It already has.

There is such a thing as Evil, boys and girls.  It looks real pretty and it's very charming. And it will make your life not worth living.  Yes, I happen to think the Obama administration has fully demonstrated this in a mere one hundred days. And I would tell you yet again why I think it's mixed up with jihad, but what's the point? Not enough people listened and now it's too late. There's no point trying to wake you up anymore, not if you cheered Scooter Libby's imprisonment but are willing to give Nancy Pelosi a pass... or two or three. And besides, it's not like you could stop George Soros, even if you wanted to.

You still have good bloggers to read - Rick and Omri and Sultan Knish. And there are some people at American Thinker and contentions who "get it." Plus you should keep up with Carl and Caroline Glick in Israel, where free thought still flourishes.  And luckily there are still two American newspapers as yet unafraid -  the IBD and the WSJ.  You can find out what's happening if you want to.  You don't need me for that.  And I don't need to point out bias anymore. It's so way beyond that now.

Those of you who didn't think twice when you heard Obama's "uncle" and preacher call for Gd and the congregation to damn America will have to learn the hard way that these people mean what they say, from Jeremiah Wright to Hamas to Ahmadinejad.  All you have to do is heed their words. Obama is doing his best to damn America, and there will be no Hope of stopping him until you come to see that.

"Everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven."

I have made dear, dear friends through this blog and have enjoyed the support of several loyal readers who have stuck with me through all my craziness, ups and downs, considerations and re-considerations.  As much as I am deeply grateful, we have now come to a time that is no longer the same. I cannot go into a seventh year as if it were like all the other years.  This seventh year will be for me like the seventh day, like a Shabbes, a sabbatical. I hope I can separate and elevate this year, and make it holy - okay, holier - than the six that came before. I have to at least try.

Your assignment in my absence is to study up on the "footsteps" or the "heels" of Moshiach. We are in a lowly time and place; the heels - our generation - are found far and away low down from the head... but essential to standing. It takes years to understand Jewish thinking, that it's not either/or but can be both. Embrace that paradox and remember that there is no greater blueprint for our existence -past, present and future- than the Torah. You are less well equipped to learn it than previous generations, but at the same it's never been more accessible.  You can simply click your way to it from the comfort of your home or office.

.... what is needed for settling our minds and clarifying our faith we certainly possess. The Lord, Gd, did not create a condition whereby belief would be undermined through inability to resolve a matter....

....it is of the deep counsel of the Blessed One to so orient things that they will resolve themselves into an ordinance of good alone, with no existence whatsoever for evil in the world....

.... He allows evil to intensify itself to its fullest possible extent, that is, until, but not including the destruction of the universe...

Have faith. Be strong. Save yourselves. And remember that life and liberty were Torah concepts thousands of years before the American War of Independence. Like the Torah they come from, they are eternal. [I notice that it could very well have been that  "pursuit of happiness" part that got us into trouble over here.]

So, Good Shabbes. I know it's asking a lot, but may God bless America, the Jewish people and the state of Israel.  Ameyn.

------------ Just in case my resolve weakens - or I come up with something new to say that I haven't already said numerous times -  I'll install some kind of a feed so you can sign up to get any new posts by email. -----------

Comments

[Michael]

Shalom, I have been a reader of you blog for a couple of years and will really miss your insights. I agree with your view of the media and it’s bias, but I disagree with your dire predictions for the USA. Yes its dark now, but we have always been a strong, resilient and determined people and I believe we will overcome this challenge too. Remember we were able to get rid of Carter after only one term. Good luck in whatever you do. MichaeL Mint Hill, NC Am yisroel chai!!!

[Debbie Schlussel]

Anne: Good luck. But you should reconsider. You do good work. DS

[Madelyn Steele]

I'm sorry to be losing your contributions.. I agree with DS: you do good work. I also believe that we are fighting an overwhelming battle and that we need all the "warriors" now more than ever. I think you are one of them, and hope to see you back soon. Best to you and yours. MS

[Dana]

I've read your blog for years now and will miss it. I think you predictions are sadly right on but don't be disheartened! You may not be able to stop what's coming, but every person you have educated with this blog is a victory. Shalom and God bless you!

[WV.Hillbilly]

Don't let these dark times darken your pen. We need thoughts like yours more than ever now. I'll miss your writing.

[Tom Glennon]

As a reader, fan, sometime contributor and most importantly, as a friend; my heart ached as I read your words. Unlike some public figures who claim to "have a gift", I think you have both a gift and a vision that needs to have a voice. We do not do this not just for ourselves, but for our children and grand children. Todah Rabah for what you have done, and may Gd continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.

[Sultan Knish]

I recognize your pain and frustration, but sometimes things have to hit bottom, for people to wake up. 9/11 was a shock to the system. Obama is a shock to the system in a different, "It Can't Happen Here" kind of way. Things are bad yes, worse than most people realize... but it's a long way from over. The future isn't set, we each influence it in our own ways. And while what we do may not always be obvious in its effect, we cannot know the seeds we plant or the waves that grow from our thrown pebbles. Every voice that speaks for freedom, for what is right and true is a match set in hopes of lighting a greater fire. And your voice and blog have been important and remain important. We are not done yet. The day may come when we are, but that day is not yet here. I have had the temptation to quit many times myself, but I can't believe or accept that all hope is lost. I wish you good luck in whatever you do, to health, wealth and blessings in a sabbatical year.

[chana]

Did you think you would save the world and every situation? Evil is evil and you cannot change that. What do did do, what you can do , what you should continue to do is warn those who can be gotten to and there are thousands. And if there is only one person who can glean something or find some safety or difference from your posts, it is well worth doing. Sometimes heros only can save one other person, but I am sure that one other knows how valuable that hero was in doing that job. Don't let evil defeat you and wear you down. A good fight is worth the blood , sweat and tears that go into it. Keep blogging for the sake of the unknown whose lives you touch with your words on a daily basis. The fight needs you and you will not know what good has come of what you do until that fight is over.

[Phil]

British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Saks at the Finchley Road Synagogue on Yom Haatzmaut 5765/2005: "All too often, in defense of Israel against defamation, we have had to stand alone. No people should be left to face hate alone. As Martin Luther King said, "In the end we will remember, not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."

[Larry]

G-d bless you and thank you, I hope and pray we will hear more from you, while the world goes mad.

[madeleine7]

Please reconsider leaving us bereft........!!!! Maybe the evil one is telling you to "give up." We need every honest , brave voice there is....... Whatever....... May G-D bless and protect you and your family..

[Hope]

You're the best! I will miss reading your insights, but you have to do what you have to do. Many blessings on you and your family. If you're ever in Baltimore, look me up.