Political Poseurs

If half the leaders who are compared to Ghandi and Mandela were half the men that those two were, we would have at least half the problems we have now.

But they aren't.

And we need to stop pretending they are.

It is especially notable in the way the Muslim collective is pushing for the formation of "Palestine" in a similar way to how they pushed for the formation of "Pakistan". They are not for unity, peace, compromise, or the greater good. Muslims are not interested in "working together." They are only for their own interest and sovereignty.

If someone could prove this view to be historically wrong, I would be delighted.

Health Hindrance?

So the latest buzz has moved on from health care to immigration. Nothing like an emotionally charged political crises to keep our attention divided and our hearts racing!

But health care--in its broad, endless sense--is still important to me. Mostly because my glasses are broken, and I have needed vision correction since 2 years old. In 2009, California discontinued optometry as a medical field included in MediCal, the state provided health coverage. This became important to me, because in 2009 I became unemployed. 

It is a severe annoyance that women's health is synonymous with "reproductive health"--which is really a less provocative term then "reproductive control", though the latter is more accurate. Do women not break bones? Do women not have allergies, or need eye care? Do men not contract life threatening STDs? Why is "women's health" limited to birth control options, abortions, STD testing and cancer exams for reproductive organs? This trend establishes the assumption that women are a bunch of reckless sex maniacs and nothing else. And  what happened to that study linking birth control pills to reproductive organ cancer? Why is there no public anger over this? Why are we accepting this? It is ridiculous, infuriating, and demeaning. And it is fronted and supported by those most vocal for "women's rights". 

Right now, I can't afford a new pair of glasses and an eye exam. All my state is offering me is condoms, abortions, birth-control pills, and the opportunity to have my breast tissue mauled.

Perhaps they don't know that abstinence is 100% effective, or maybe they think that sex is my job.

If I can't get new glasses, my employment options are obviously decreased.

Back, Looking Forward

So, I'm back in California, physically. After a rough patch of jet-lag, which was barely recovered before daylight savings, I think I am mostly present. I know people always sing about leaving your heart here, but mine is firmly planted on the other side of the globe.

I love Israel. I love the culture, the weather, the food, the traffic, the holidays, the clothes, the cats...everything. These people are my people, even if I am not theirs. When the opportunity comes to go back, I will without hesitation. If the opportunity to stay there comes, I will with no reservation.

Until then, I'll cook, dance, and try to make some money. Anybody have a job opening?