Integrity

Maintaining one’s integrity is not the mere folly of a college student: it is absolutely essential to one’s well-being, survival and success. When I sell myself out politically, religiously, literarily or emotionally, I am miserable and depressed and unproductive. When I attempt to maintain integrity, I may pay a price, but at least I find myself working, working with direction and purpose and grace.

American Dream Needs Repair

The American Dream is not dead, it is simply injured, now; injured by a class of Americans who do not truly understand it, and therefore, abuse it.

The American dream is supposed to be accessible to all Americans—and in my opinion, all people in the world.

Therefore, America must be a leader, a graceful leader, in promoting American ideals. We aren’t supposed to be insulting other countries and cultures and we certainly aren’t supposed to be insulting fellow Americans.

We must tweak the American Dream until it is accessible to everyone, not just selfish hustlers and those who are more fortunate than others.

We must work together to make all Americans’ dreams happen, otherwise we’re not truly dealing with an American Dream, at all.

Down with Egoism

I noticed that when I am at my most egoistic, I am also at my most stressed. If I focus too much on fulfilling dreams, desires and ambitions, I become overwhelmed, especially when I am confronted with any kind of adversity.

The time has come to permanently relieve that stress by making a firm commitment to serving the Lord—and my family-- and my friends--- and the people.

No more skirt-chasing, no more trying to get published or elected, no more trying to be a star in any field-I’m just working on behalf of my synagogue, Fountain House and other institutions that serve God and the people.

Prayers for my mother, who is in the hospital. I must continue to call and visit her. To hell with being a superstar, when my mother is suffering.

Craig R. Bayer

Meritocracy

In case Donald J. Trump and his followers were not alerted, this country is not supposed to be a white supremacist oligarchy, but a meritocracy, where each man rises according to his character and abilities. Our current President lacks in character and ability, thus he shouldn’t be President.  It’s also supposed to be a law and order country, so we shouldn’t have a President who is used to breaking the law every two minutes.

I don’t think that there is any political party, left or right or center,that can disagree with me, so I say, when possible, move toward impeachment.

I also say: alert African Americans , Latinos and Asian Americans that they, too, can live and succeed in this country, before they lose all hope.

I heard from a Jewish friend of mine that her rabbi confessed that there are homeless people attending her temple. I didn’t think that homeless people were permitted to attend a temple or synagogue, except to show up on a weekly basis to have a free homeless meal and leave. It’s good to hear that my fellow Jews are also looking out for poor people, especially in this day and age.