Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
As long as his name is on the door in Gracie Mansion, there’s no avoiding his foul presence.
So let’s get this straight. Under Giuliani, a Republican, New York saw a renaissance that was likely unparalleled in its entire history. Under de Blasio, Yidden are locked out of their playgrounds and businesses. And you want people to “vote with [their] heads”. Obviously, one cannot blame de Blasio for COVID itself, but he gets all the blame, along with Cuomo – another Democrat – for the response. Meanwhile, Republican-led states are much further along the reopening trail than New York.
The idea that voting Republican is opting out of the system is defied by the afore-mentioned Giuliani (and subsequent Bloomberg) mayoralty. It may very well be that the next election sees a complete rejection of Democrat leadership in the city, in light of its gross failures.
Anything done for short-term interests is almost always fruitless, if not destructive, so painting a Democratic vote as the only way to get in the game is nothing but selling out the future for some sort of short-term advantage, while allowing things to come crashing down in the long run. Clearly a foolish strategy.
There is zero good reason to ever vote Democratic at this point in time. The only exception might be in a New Hampshire-like scenario, where a GOP candidate for sheriff is a twisted lunatic. Under normal circumstances, however, Democrats are horrendous at governance; they only ruin the places they oversee. You might want to look at the out-migration from California or the ruins of Portland and Minneapolis for direct evidence of the phenomenon.
I’ve always found Coke (the soda) to be an excellent remedy for nausea and headaches. If COVID is beyond Coke’s reach, I won’t be surprised, but it’s worth a shot.
News reports are very consistent in reporting a significant migration out of certain cities. Moving companies are fully booked. In the face of the recent riots, particularly families with children are looking to leave the urban environment.
B’derech hateva, the more they let it open up, the healthier it will be, and the more they keep it locked down, the worse it will be. The housing market is doing very well, for example, thanks to low interest rates, so there is plenty of potential for a good economy. If the government continues to intervene in the form of lockdowns and/or closings, though, that potential will be stifled.
I stand corrected.
akuperma, you seem to have overlooked John F. Kennedy. His ancestors arrived in the mid-1800s. They were also not Anglo-Saxon.
$150 billion in cash, huh? Not quite. Under the JCPA, Iran obtained access to assets frozen by the US in the wake of the 1979 revolution, which was worth up to $150 billion. They were given a $1.3 billion dollar/400 million Euro payment, which was thought to be basically a ransom for a Washington Post reporter. That payment was not part of the $150 billion asset turnover.
Delusion fueled by ignorance.
Trump has enourmous support among the hardcore Republican base. There have been a few other candidates who have declared a run for the Republican nomination, but they were decimated in early primaries and have left the race. There might be one or two still trying, but they don’t have a chance – Trump’s support is far too strong.
True enough. As this problem – which is unquestionably a problem of outright subversion – is at least 55 years old, the glaring question is how to deal with it. In general, they’re an unrepentant group, so rational discourse is futile. Short of physical force, the only apparent solution is ideological force, meaning that the ideas of normalcy and civilization must be fought for with a ferocity that surpasses the Left’s will. Again, by ‘fighting’, the meaning refers to the battlefield of ideas.
In some circumstances, it seems appropriate that some of these statues be removed. Likewise, it’s appropriate that Mississippi is removing the Confederate emblem from its flag. However, the fervor with which the statues are being attacked, and the fact that several of the statues are completely inoffensive, shows that this mob is quite mindless and quite hostile. That is the thing that’s most Nazi-, Stalin- or Mao-like, and is the thing that should be most concerning.
Buying land or property in Israel is the single best long-term investment in the world. Should you buy property in America? Probably, if it’s appropriate in your life. Some traditional higher-end markets may be in for a rough ride, however, like California and New York. Their tax bases are shrinking, which will spur tax increases, and the push to defund police departments will certainly degrade quality of life and thus property values.
I don’t think that’s clear from the pasukim. Rashi doesn’t say so, though I haven’t looked at other meforshim. Common sense would wonder why Esav would be heading toward Ya’akov before he was informed about the latter’s arrival. I think the simplest explanation is that Esav headed towards Ya’akov after being informed of his presence.
The issue between Esav and Ya’akov becomes troublesome when Ya’akov seeks out Esav. This is the lesson of parshas Vayishlach – when Ya’akov sent shluchim to Esav, Esav turned toward him with a threatening 400 men. The better path would have been not to approach Esav at all, simply returning to Canaan quietly. The Devarim posuk highlights for us when we are brothers with Esav – only when he seeks us out. He has little or nothing to offer us, so we have no need of him; but when he approaches us for assistance, we must welcome him as a brother.
With a Representative like that, it’s enough to make someone leave New York.
Regarding the apportioning of the Land under the auspices of Moshiach, there are two things to remember. First, the ultimate delineation of the Land is clearly spelled out in the final perek of Yechezkel, so we know which Tribe will be situated where. Second, navuah will return with rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash, if not sooner given the right circumstances. With that, it will not be a problem to understand the specifics of Yechezkel, or to ascertain who the original owners were of which plot of land and who their descendants are; subsequent land sales would certainly be handled in the appropriate manner. That might not be how things are handled when the time comes, but it will be possible to do.
After the death of Korach and his assembly, a mageifa breaks out among the Bnei Yisroel. We see that Aharon is told by Moshe Rabbeinu to go amongst them and offer ketores in order to be m’chaper them and thereby stop the mageifa. IY”H, in a few weeks, we will come to Parshas Balak where we see Zimri take Cozbi and sin in front of Moshe and the Klal. When a mageifa breaks out amongst Shevet Shimon, Pinchas comes and kills Zimri and the woman, and the mageifa is stopped. It would seem from these two incidents that the koach to stop a mageifa is given over to the Kohanim. While all of our tefillos are obviously necessary and important, in this particular nisayon, those of the Kohanim should clearly be loudest and strongest.
It’s odd that somone could think that Gorsuch interpreted the Cvil Rights Act according to its original, textual meaning. The statute in question, written in 1964, refers to discrimination based on sex, which without question refers to biological gender. We cannot view the staute through today’s lens, but through 1964’s. There was no confusion about biological gender 56 years ago. Gorsuch forced the issue. He contended that discrimination based on sexual choice cannot be distinguished from gender – which is a facially ridiculous idea – and thus such discrimination violates the statute. According to Gorsuch, there’s no such thing as morality, apparently, only gender-by-choice.
Wolf, you’re incorrect if you think I don’t understand how large the universe is. I won’t even elaborate, since it’s a silly discussion. As for your contention that Hashem could create any life he wants anywhere he wants, that’s obvious on its face and, again, not important for elaboration. The onus is actually on you to prove that there is life elswhere, for a very simple reason: The only reason the world (read: the universe) exists is for the Torah. As Moshe responded to the malachim, do other worlds have people, with mothers and fathers? What purpose would they possibly serve? None, as far as the Torah is concerned. It’s ridiculous to think or contend that other people on another world would be chiuv on Torah and mitzvos.
If you ask yourself why, then, is the universe so large if it’s empty, the only answer you can arrive at is so that Hashem can remain hidden. Human beings are clever, so if they found a limit to the universe, they would begin to suspect the truth and bechira would be compromised. With an immeasurable universe, people can get lost in it and stray from the truth that there is a Creator, which also allows for someone to remain clear about the truth – hence, true bechira. It’s the only way the universe can function properly for a human being to be given a choice. It seems you may have gotten confused by the immensity of the physical structure, allowing yourself to entertain ideas which are not plausible.
“There is also the danger of Earth being visited by hungry aliens who think we are non-sentient but with a good taste.
True
The Wolf”
Hate to break it to you, but the universe is, other than humanity on Earth, completely devoid of life. Do some research into the probabilities of life arising spontaneously and you’ll see the reality of the situation.
You’re on the right track. Owning land in Israel is the single greatest long term investment in the entire world.
Fully hardening the electrical grid will take decades. Geopolitically, the window for an EMP attack on the US is much shorter, likely within the next 10 years (presuming the dissolution of the Chinese and No. Korean regimes); so, were it to happen, we won’t be prepared. It’s a worrisome thing, but seems unlikely due simply to the threat of US retaliation, which would dwarf the EMP attack. Then again, who knew we’d be in a pandemic lockdown? But even that is a kind of evidence against the thing: The very fact that we’re discussing it makes it unlikely – these kinds of surprise events are just that, surprises, things no one foresaw. That’s not a proof it won’t happen, but I think it’s rare historically that the blow that was imagined is the one that strikes.
It goes beyond incompetence. De Blasio is a leftist and leftists have flowery rhetoric. More than that, they’re unparalleled liars. They promise everyone utopia and people want to believe in a world where everything’s sweet like candy, so they vote for it, not understanding that it’s impossible.
There are two underlying reasons why people vote this way – they’re either unintelligent and can’t discern the difference between good sense and foolishness and so are easily swayed by these leftist Svengalis, or they never take the time to look at things as they are, so as to perceive what’s appropriate for society’s well-being. It usually takes a severe shock to get a leftist voter to change his mode of thinking.
Health, #1, I’m no Zionist. Living in Eretz Yisroel, or being positive about the concept, is not necessarily Zionistic. There is a little something called the Torah, which has a little something to do with Eretz Yisroel. #2, you note that I said, “if it’s right for [him].” Odd that you don’t grasp that that’s clearly a suggestion, nothing more. #3, if EY is so imperfect, how do Torah Yidden manage to survive there? Obviously, the medina is not to be trusted, but be serious – there is a huge Torah population that lives as best they can, just like here.
Having left NYC several years ago, I can certainly urge it in the affirmative. However, then the question becomes, where to? If you rightly perceive the collapse of NY’s structure, what do you do in the face of the widespread chaos of the past few weeks? Seems like it’s either Israel or Idaho. Will you be happy in Idaho? Obviously, there are more choices than just Idaho. My point is that, at this juncture in history, making aliyah might be the best possible (perhaps only) move, assuming it’s right for you. The reality is that any other move is just a short term solution, especially with the ongoing degradation in Western society in general. Be bold.
In addition, “homophobia”, as it’s used in contemporary culture, is both useless and quite in contradiction to the Torah. The Torah is clear – male toeiva actions warrant the death penalty. Shomer Torah u’mitzvos Yidden who preach tolerance and condemn homophobia are perhaps wise in terms of relations with the goyim, but, if they allow their wisdom to extend too far, wind up violating the Torah. Such was Shlomo HaMelech’s mistake.
Liberals. Black activists. Fools. The usual suspects.
Sh’koyach, Reb Eliezer.
Haimy, what you’re saying is chiddush in the sense that Mesillas Yesharim is chiddush – it’s something everyone knows, but pays no attention to. You’ve said it exactly as it is, and exactly as it needs to be said. Yasher koach.
I have the concept in my mind, although without being able to point to or recall a source, that we are forbidden as a people to move en masse to Eretz Yisroel before the Geula. If this is actually sourced, then that would clearly mean there is no chiuv to move to Eretz Yisroel – it would remain an individual decision, based on all pertinent factors.
Currently, the average daily death total in the US is approximately 750 (according to worldometers.info). At that rate, in 73 days, which will be Sept. 1, there will be an additional 56,000+ deaths, putting the total at approx. 176,000. At the same rate, by 9/30 there will be 198,000. If the death rate remains steady, the total may, indeed, reach 200,000. It’s far from impossible that we reach that number. While the death rate has obviously slowed, it’s quite clear that this virus is unusual in its persistence. It’s quite possible this thing will linger for an extended period of time. Will the death rate decrease further? Possibly, perhaps even probably, but that’s unknown.
Joseph, some of your numbers are off. The ’57 pandemic killed between 70-116,000 Americans (the ’68 pandemic somewhat less). Also a flu season with 100,000 deaths is not “bad”, it is extremely severe. The 1918 flu killed 675,000 in the US according to CDC.
Not only that, there are so many laws on the books today making discrimination at every level illegal that it’s simply ridiculous to claim the “system” is racist. Affirmative action shows just the opposite, as does Barack Obama’s ascension the Presidency. What blacks are complaining about is actually individual racism. That’s where they’re screwed – if people dislike blacks, or where any race dislikes another, there’s nothing that can be done about it, because it’s a personal sentiment, beyond the reach of the law.
The “What did I do?” complaint rings hollow. The Arbery death in Georgia is the initial incident that set the primer which ignited after the Floyd death. What gets very little play is that both men – Arbery and Floyd – were invloved in various levels of criminal activity and were no angels. The philosphical question you need to consider is whether or not police would be so quick to take a hostile stance toward blacks if blacks were not so disproportionally involved in criminal activity. If blacks committed crimes at the same proportional rate as whites, it’s doubtful they would be looked at with such skepticism and suspicion by cops on patrol. If you look at Chicago today, as the standout example, you see that the black community brings a very significant degree of their troubles on themselves.
HBO temporarily banned ‘Gone with the Wind’ after being called out, so I would say say popular culture is next, either movies or books.
His only brilliance is in leading New Yorkers to believe in his empty rhetoric so that he can institute his insane policies. He’s been completely brilliant at ruining New York City. He makes David Dinkins look like an amateur – and New Yorkers like chumps.
Without a doubt, there is a cultural shift occurring in this country. Just look at the recent actions of the mob and you see that there are significant numbers of people who seem to be unattached to previous American cultural norms. It’s likely overstating it to say that American culture will collapse and turn into something more like China than the United States, but clearly, mores are changing.
The reason behind it is simple. We’ve been living in a post-World War II world since 1945, and the structure of this society has been very heavily influenced by the events of that era. However, that was now long enough ago that, a. the people of that era are now very few in number and can no longer maintain its stability, and, b. the newer generations have very little connection to that time and to those events, so they have no feelings for or loyalty to them. They are thus forming their own, new outlook on things. That outlook, as far as young people are concerned, is heavily influenced by their public school education, which has been under the influence of strongly leftist educators for decades. This is why people like Bernie Sanders, an extreme leftist radical, can nearly become a presidential nominee, and why a radical like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can enter Congress – the younger public is badly educated and inclined to foolish ideas, and to voting accordingly. The long term trend isn’t encouraging, particularly when you see the country’s changing demographics. The white population is becoming a smaller percentage of the population all the time. The mainstreaming of radical politics has risen seemingly in consonance with that phenomenon.
What it means for us as Jews is that, one day, either sooner or later, this country may become an inhospitable place to live. Interestingly, for the first time in the golus, there is a place to automatically turn to. If you think these events are random, you are missing the hidden Hand.
The Yidden in Britain had the courage to publicly describe the Labour Party leader Corbyn “an existential threat” to the Jewish community there.
Within the United States, not without consent of Congress.
catch yourself – go re-read his first post and remember that we’re on a website called ‘the yeshiva world’. Perhaps you won’t see it as I did, but to me, his original post was nothing but an internet screed, seemingly straight off the pages of any of the various radical political sites. To me, it didn’t have an ounce of Torahdik tam, so, combined with the fact that it was deeply political, I was immediately suspicious. It came across as something any Russian political opertiive sowing disinformation would say. When something lacks both Torah and tam, you start to wonder.
So you’ve been registered for almost 12 years. Other than that, it says nothing about you. I could certainly be mistaken in my clearly speculative post, but your original post is such ridiculous propaganda that my reaction is justified, even if incorrect.
I put the odds of ‘besalel’ being Jewish at about 0%.
In case you’re unaware of it, there’s a great, frum shidduchim website – http://www.partnersinshidduchim .com. Very well run, glatt kosher.
Milhouse, the President has authority over and use of the National Guard for overseas operations, as you noted, but domestically, the NG is under the control of their respective Governors.
It seems to me that the only answer that is satisfactory or even plausible is that, for whatever His reason(s), Hashem has put this hardship into the world. Some avoid it, some do not, and unless a person is truly derelict in trying to marry, it’s not in any way acceptable to blame him or her for their single status. Marriage and family is such a core aspect of human life that to be deprived of it is something that is searing for the soul. On a personal note, without knowing anything about you, someone as young as you might be best served by looking in Eretz Yisroel. EY is the future and, you being so young, it makes eminent sense to look for your future there.