22 Sep Speak Your Vues
SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
Please note that the author of Speak Your Vues is in no way affiliated with the publisher of this paper. The author of this column is an independent third party contributor. The views and opinions expressed by this author may not reflect the views and opinions of the publishers. If one has any issues with any of the views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE
Dear Vues Master: Dr. Fauci is not in support of hydroxychloroquine treatment for covid-19 because he first wants double blind placebo studies to prove its safety and effectiveness. (Please be aware that the drug has been used “safely and effectively” for over 65 years to treat other viruses and conditions.) Claiming the same as Fauci, I am not in support of vaccinations because there has yet to be a double blind inert placebo study to prove the safety for any of childhood vaccines we are being pushed into giving our children and adults. (Excluding a small group, one for the HPV, of which results have been trashed. Hmm..I wonder why..) If anyone does find such a study they might be the lucky winner of $100,000. Contact ICANdecide.org for more details.
M T
Vues Master’s Note: I don’t think all vaccinations are the same. Some are around for a long time and seem to work with almost no side effects!
MASK
Dear Vues Master: I write this letter regarding the Q&A with Rabbi Yitzy Ross that was in The Jewish Vues. According to many expert scientists and doctors, wearing a mask to stop a virus is like putting up a fence to stop mosquitos. It may also be harmful to the wearer. The point I would like to make is that although I don’t “believe in” wearing masks, when at place in which it is “required” or “respectful” to wear one, I do and make sure my children do too, even though they hate it. To make it more bearable, we get the softest, cotton, breathable, comfy masks possible. May the masses come to their senses! Amen. M T Vues Master’s Note: Sometimes masks just mask the real issue! EDIBLE Dear Vues Master: I would like to congratulate Rabbi Yitzy Ross for recognizing that vaccines do contain chemicals! Most people think that all there is in it is a dead virus in sterile saline water. Following is a list of some of the ingredients found in vaccines: Mercury, Formaldehyde, Aluminum, Latex, Casein, Monkey DNA, Pig Gelatin, Bovine Serum, Aborted Fetal Cells, Chicken Egg Residue, Peanut Oil, MSG, Polysorbate….Hearty Appetite! M T Vues Master’s Note: Now I understand why my Dr. refused to let me drink my vaccine and only allowed me to get it via needle shot! Seriously? Of course vaccines are not edible!
MEDICAL MIRACLE
Dear Vues Master: Just a short comment on the story in Torah Wellsprings (page 26 of the September 9 issue) re the Ponovizher Rov ztz”l and his recovery from a “life-threatening” diabetic foot complication: The “shock” at the “medical miracle” is almost laughable. It is totally unnecessary to consider his recovery miraculous (if anything, it would be an anti-medical miracle!) since reasonable natural explanations clearly exist. First, the doctors may have simply been mistaken in their diagnosis. Second, perhaps their assessment of the seriousness of the situation was inaccurate. Third, they undoubtedly lacked adequate real-life experience with great numbers of people with this condition who were untreated and as a result died shortly thereafter. We are taught that Hashem does not likely bestow miracles, and where “natural” explanations can be found, they should be. Perhaps our worship of modern medicine and its practitioners need to be lowered a few notches.
N W
Vues Master’s Note: Last I checked “teva” in it of itself is also a miracle!
BELIEVING WHAT ARAB DICTATORS SAY
Dear Vues Master: The Jewish and Zionist officials who gathered on the White House lawn this week for the signing of the Israel-UAE-Bahrain agreement seem to have heard only words of peace and friendship from the podium. But the Arab leaders who spoke at the ceremony said something very different. The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, began by profusely thanking President Donald Trump and his aides, who “worked hard and sincerely,” who are “genuine about the principle of peace,” and who “strived to realize this major achievement.” Then he turned to the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the man who is supposed to be his partner in peace, the leader of the country with which the UAE is establishing relations. You would think that Foreign Minister al-Nahyan would likewise have thanked Netanyahu for his hard work in striving for peace. Nope. Instead, the foreign minister thanked Netanyahu “for halting the annexation of the Palestinian territories.” Ouch! Not only did al-Nahyan not express appropriate gratitude to the Israeli leader for pursuing peace; he bluntly declared that all of Judea and Samaria, even the areas that are inhabited solely by Jews, are “Palestinian Territories.” Bahrain’s foreign minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, delivered his own slap to Israel’s face. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, “today’s agreement is an important first step…” A first step toward regional peace? A first step toward other Arab regimes accepting Israel? No—a first step toward reducing Israel to the indefensible pre-1967 armistice lines. “It is now incumbent on us to work urgently and actively” towards a “two-state solution,” alZayani proclaimed. In other words, to establish a Palestinian state that would leave Israel just nine miles wide in the area around Kalkilya. Remember what Abba Eban called those pre-1967 lines? “Auschwitz lines.” Because they were so narrow that Israel would be in danger of complete annihilation. Pro-Israel in America groups used to quote that label all the time. Not so much any more. The Jewish and Zionist officials on the White House lawn could not have been too happy about all the talk of “Palestinian territories” and Palestinian statehood. But it seems the cat got their tongues. Some even made excuses. One right-of-center figure suggested that “the UAE and Bahraini foreign ministers made these statements solely to appease radical elements in Arab world.” Remarkable! It was not long ago that such groups mocked the Jewish left for indulging in those kinds of rationalizations. The Jewish right used to ridicule the left for that “appease-the-radicals” excuse because it was an excuse that revealed the absurdity of the left’s entire thought process. If “moderate” Arab leaders have to make extremist statements in order to “appease the radicals,” it means that the masses of Arabs continue to hold radical anti-Israel views. In other words, they are not ready for peace—and therefore any peace agreement signed by an Arab leader with Israel could be torn up at any moment, for any reason. If Arab leaders genuinely accepted the legitimacy of Israel’s existence, they would first use some of their gazillions in oil revenues to sponsor peace education. They would change the curricula in their schools from teaching hatred of Jews to teaching coexistence with Jews. They would root out the hate-Israel propaganda that permeates their news media and, indeed, pretty much their entire culture. At that point, they could openly proclaim what they supposedly believe, instead of making extreme statements in order to “appease the radicals.” Arab leaders then would make peace on the same basis that all normal, reasonable countries make peace— “peace for peace.” Not you-go-back-to-Auschwitz-lines for peace. Not you-give-up-your rights-to-your-eternal homeland for peace. Just plain old peace for plain old peace. But that’s not what the Israel-UAEBahrain agreement is. This is Israel making concrete concessions on sovereignty and construction, in exchange for embassies and trade. Maybe some pro-Israel groups think that’s an acceptable price to pay. But they shouldn’t kid themselves—that’s the price. That’s what the leaders of the UAE and Bahrain said on the White House lawn. Believe them.
MP
Vues Master’s Note: It is amazing some people will not recognize a peace treaty at all. The far right and far left both agree that this treaty is not good! Mind boggling! Is there anything that Trump and Kushner could do that will please more than 50 percent of the people??
19TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
Dear Vues Master: Our nation recently mourned the 19th Anniversary of 9/11. At that time, Americans were united. According to Gallup polling a week after 9/11, then-President George Bush’s approval rating was at 90% overall and even 84% among Democrats. Our nation clearly united to defeat the enemy that attacked our people and values. September 11th, 2001 was not an attack on individuals; it was an attack on America itself. The fact that patriotism soared after 9/11 proves that this wasn’t some random attack; this was an attack on all of us; Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Whites, Blacks, Jews, Christians, etc. According to Pew Research in 2002, 62% of people’s response to 9/11 was patriotism. Also, 78% of Americans saw an increase in patriotic displays in their communities after 9/11. It was an attack on our values, constitution, leaders, military, and law enforcement. According to stats released by the military for the year 2002, recruitments for the military went up from 74,577 in 2001 to 79,585 in 2002. The uptick in military recruitments post-9/11 shows the resolve of the American people. People from all backgrounds felt an obligation to help out. The New York Times reported in 2003 that tourism in 3 major areas including; tourists from within the United States, tourists traveling with family, and leisure travelers all set record highs the year after 9/11 as a result of “patriotic tourism.” People from the US and other places came to NY as a result of respect for the United States and a unified message against those that want to destroy us and our values. Patrisse Cullors is one of the founders of BLM, she recently said in response to the George Floyd incident that “the demand of defunding law enforcement becomes a central demand in how we actually get real accountability and justice…” A mainstream movement advocating defunding our law enforcement is not a foreign concept anymore, it is an internal argument. It truly is sickening to see. Our nation has come a long way since 9/11; we must make sure to preserve the values that define who we are against our enemies who tried to destroy us that day.
Sincerely, D S G
Vues Master’s Note: I fondly remember the patriotism after 9/11. Even Trump knocks the Gulf War. At that point America needed to go to war!
DEBATES?
Dear Vues Master: I just heard a rumor that Joe Biden will get Covid 19 right before the first debate and will be able to avoid debating Donald Trump!
KG
Vues Master’s Note: Sounds about right! But we should be so lucky that he is not one of the two hundred million victims of Covid 19 in the US. I believe that is the number Biden said died of Covid!
HIGH HOLIDAYS
Dear Vues Master: I got a hold of guidelines from Andrew Cuomo for the High Holidays! Was he high on something when he wrote them?
FC
Vues Master’s Note: What does a goy know about Rosh Hashana! All they do in their new years is get drunk!
THE END?
Dear Vues Master: The new lockdown in Israel foretells the end of the State of Israel. It’s one thing when the goyim interfere with our observance of Torah, but it’s of a completely different order when it’s Jews inflicting it upon other Jews. The demise of the medina was always inevitable, as it’s a spiritual Frankenstein – a morbid creation of man thinking he alone understands existence and how it’s best managed. It seems finally to have reached its endgame. It’s unknown exactly when the State will come crashing down, or simply evaporate into thin air, but disappear it will.
YL
Vues Master’s Note: Is it possible that you might want to judge them lkaf zchus that they believe they are saving people from a deathly illness?
REGISTERING AS A DEMOCRAT
Dear Vues Master: We are living in difficult times. There’s been much consternation within our community, and rightfully so, about the apparent double standard currently being leveled at us. We endured the challenges of lockdowns and sheltering in place, but now as the restrictions are being lifted, our playgrounds, our schools and our businesses are still closed. Most recently, our sleep-away camps are prohibited from opening. We can point fingers and beat our chests, our blood pressure can boil in frustration, but here’s the bottom line. For those who are frustrated and don’t understand why our community is not being heard, I have a simple solution. Start voting. Yes, elected officials have power, but only to the extent that we empower them. What do I mean? When elected officials represent a community that votes in huge numbers, they will take notice. Our community is vibrant, but relatively small in numbers. If we vote in a proportion greater than the general population, that would empower us. When a community votes, they are empowered. It’s time for our community to wake up. Many of us don’t vote. We don’t get involved in local elections and we’re not even registered. Yet we continue to expect that government regulations and policies will benefit our community, even with minimal effort or involvement on our part. It doesn’t work that way. That’s not reality. Reality means that we need to acknowledge our responsibility. Reality means we need to engage in the system and we need to do our part. If I sound frustrated, let me explain. Several months ago, I accompanied State Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein as he stood outside a Boro Park shul requesting local residents to sign petitions that would allow our community candidates to appear on the ballot in the upcoming Democratic primary. It’s a simple petition but it’s significant because without the requisite signatures, our candidates would not be eligible to run for election. The only requirement is that those who sign must be registered as Democrats. Shockingly, the response was appalling. Many members of our community are reluctant to register as Democrats, and many are not registered at all. Of every five people that were approached, two were registered as Republicans, and two were not registered at all. That left just one out of five who were eligible to sign the petitions. This is deeply disturbing. Look, I get it. As members of this community, we cherish our timeless values and traditions. Yes, I realize that many of the electorate who either registered as Republicans or chose not to vote feel that the mandate that defines the current Democratic party is anathema to them. So how can they identify as card-carrying Democrats when they vehemently oppose the progressive policies that represent the Democratic agenda? How can they flip a lever in the voting booth in favor of candidates with whom they may have irreconcilable differences? But we are making a huge mistake. We need to vote with our brains, not with our hearts. We need to vote smartly and strategically. Our community is small in numbers so ultimately our votes will not determine the outcome of statewide or national elections. But we can make a significant impact in local citywide races. And more importantly, our local elected officials will sit up and take notice. This means they will potentially embrace and advocate for the issues that are of paramount importance to us, to whatever extent possible. By registering as Republicans we have essentially opted out of the system. We may be making a statement or standing on principal but in in the end we abdicated our voice in the conversation. Elected officials are essentially politicians. Their goal is to get elected and when they win, they pay attention to who voted for them. With the help of modern technology, that can easily be determined. Just a few clicks can reveal an analysis of community voting patterns. Do members of our community have profound differences with many of our elected officials on matters of platform and policy? Certainly. But we can work together with them to craft an agenda that would benefit us all if we have the political power to do so. On many occasions, we have accessed City Hall to advance our issues and our agenda. Yet time and time again our community’s self proclaimed spokespeople accuse anyone who attempts to collaborate for the common good of being a sellout. Unless an issue personally affects them. Then they are suddenly eager to ‘make a deal with the devil’. This is called hypocrisy, plain and simple. We can make an impact. Let’s consider the Boro Park community, a vibrant neighborhood with 25,000 families. If just two people per household would come out and vote in a given election, that would add up to a total of 50,000 votes. That’s a huge number that could potentially swing a Democratic primary election. The same can be said for other Jewish neighborhoods across the city. But instead we bury our heads in the sand and have thus relinquished a precious opportunity and a fiduciary responsibility to our families and our communities. I may work in government relations, but this is not about me. I am writing this because I feel that we as a community are being shortchanged. Democrats outnumber Republicans in New York eight to one. In other words, any Democrat running for office is virtually assured victory in a general election. If the numbers were in reverse, and Republicans outnumbered Democrats, I would be urging us all to register as Republicans. But this is the reality, and we have to deal with it. And our primary task is to ensure that the Democrat who will ultimately be on the ticket best represents us and will present us with the best possible leverage. Other communities are voting, you can be sure of that. Our absence in the voting booth essentially empowers them further. We are relinquishing our constitutional rights and handing them over on a silver platter, thereby greatly diminishing our clout. All because we stubbornly insist on clinging to principles that hold no practical purpose. Our community cares deeply about the issues that affect us. But we are essentially tying the hands of our local representatives if we cannot even sign a simple petition. They will not be able to address our issues or advocate for our needs because we are not engaged in the process. I’ll never forget one community member who we approached on that painful evening in front of the shul. He praised Simcha for his service while also commenting about the need for wheelchair accessibility at our local subway stations. It was an issue that was clearly important to him. Yet that very same person was offended when I jumped in and asked if he was registered to vote. He self righteously refused to register, yet he insisted on pontificating about an issue that he believes in. There are plenty of issues that this community cares deeply about, most notably the future of our children’s education. But if we are frustrated about government intrusion into our community’s affairs or about the lack of progress on these issues, let’s ask ourselves this. Have I voted in a recent election? Am I even registered to vote? Am I doing my part in advocating on behalf of my community? If not, who do I have to blame? Let’s not opt out of the system. Let’s be engaged, at least minimally, in the process and perhaps we can change the system. If we can’t vote, then we don’t count. And if we don’t count then our beliefs, our traditions, and our values won’t matter to our city and state lawmakers.
MA
Vues Master’s Note: I like your letter a lot! But what about the problem of if you register as a Democ”rat” then you are complicit with what they stand for which includes “toevah” laws and all other liberal Sedom enactments? Is it not time to create a bloc of Republican Jews as that party at least is more similar to our Torah beliefs!