Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

If you wait for 119 years for a special, very special thing to happen … it’s possible it will.  The new JFS building is rising from the ground up to reach old tree height at this very moment.
I know that many of you who read my blog think I must always be in semi-depression over the miserable state of our country.  I am.  Always.
Yet every now and then goodness sneaks in and I am, at least momentarily, lifted. I have been experiencing such moments more and more frequently.  Seeing what our community of supporters have done, to see a new facility to better serve those in need, to see a place that our workers can enjoy and be buoyed by their physical setting, to see what hope and vision can do, to see a place to have great pride in, to see one of the most wonderful buildings of any JFS in the country, not fancy but full of light, air, and simple beauty, and to have played a significant role in helping to secure this for now and for the future fills me with … I am at a loss for words.
I am not a guy that fills with joy all that frequently.  Try me on despair and I am an expert.  But I have to say it. I am filled with … JOY!!  … this is a little scary, but nice all the same.

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July 13, 2011

In 1984, on this exact day, presidential candidate Walter Mondale nominated Geraldine Ferraro as his vice presidential running mate. Almost 30 years, and what progress we’ve made. No women presidents and no women vice presidents. I was living in Israel at the time on a sabbatical and remember being so incredibly proud that America finally broke this sexist barrier – of course, Israel had already had a woman prime minister, Golda Meir. Golda – what a woman and what a prime minister!

Another, not nearly as serious, challenge we have faced and made great progress on is in tourism in Washington State. Of course, Washington is so terrific and the other 49 states so terrible, that we are the only state to eliminate our statewide tourism office and provide no state money to promote traveling to Washington. This must be a great savings to our budget and so forward thinking. After all, tourists don’t bring money with them to spend; they just look around and then leave. Let Montana have them.

I was so pleased (yes, there are things that do please me) that New York City and State are reaping a bonanza from passing the same-sex marriage legislation. Hotels, catering halls, florists and wedding clothiers all report a sharp increase in sales as people from all over the U.S. go to N.Y. to get married. Of course, passing such legislation should not be done because of economic benefits; but because it is right, proper and moral to provide equal rights to all those who wish to marry (and as in N.Y. with a provision to protect religious entities who do not wish to participate in such unions.) I hope the Jewish community, as well as other faith and non-faith groups, push for such legislation here in Washington and do so now.

I am impressed by some members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are fighting the good fight against new efficient light bulb standards. A bill mandating more efficient bulbs was signed into law by George W. Bush in 2007. The new light bulbs will cut air pollution and save consumers money in the long run. The bill doesn’t eliminate incandescent bulbs, but they must be energy efficient. It is satisfying to know that our legislators in the “other Washington” are spending their time so wisely. Do you think they know that the country is on the verge of defaulting on its loan payments for the first time in 235 years?

Hang in everyone. We are in for a very bumpy ride. A very bumpy ride indeed.

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