There is literally nothing that Netanyahu won't do to cling to power.
That fact has become immensely important because of today's news.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accidentally tweeted the truth, and people noticed.

I have Mitchner-itis. That is, I must begin every story at the beginning of time. This essay (actually, this is the first of five essays) is about Israel. It begins at the beginning of monotheism. I think laying out such a broad and deep context is necessary to avoid the accusations of anti-Semitism that are inevitable in internet discussions on this topic. [On a less enlightened note, it may give you something to distract you from Super Bowl Mania this weekend.

Before we get to the latest story in this absurd propaganda show, let's "remember" the news from just the past few weeks...

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8OFkgEPyRo]

And, now, we're just learning about this latest clusterf*ck...

It's vile that a law aimed at suppressing our democratic rights and silencing those fighting for solidarity with Palestinians would even make it to the Senate floor. Shame on our community's establishment for pushing this bill forward. https://t.co/IEAqXqKspd

According to family lore, my great-aunt and great-uncle were living in Romania in 1942.
They were 12 and 14 years old at the time. It was the old country, so the house was full with extended family.
One afternoon my great-aunt and great-uncle came home from school to find the house was empty. My relatives were Jews. They were all grabbed by the Nazis and sent to a death camp.

Why does Israel's demands make a significant difference with our foreign policy?

Oh Holy MEss, Stuck in the Mud, and Grateful for Gifts

Today, I would like to look at the Middle East Melee and Israel's undue influence on US policy. This week I had two trucks get stuck in the mud on my place and I think it is a good analogy for our situation. Then I want to end on a more upbeat note of recognizing and making use of our gifts. My partner of 40 years was a teacher of the gifted. Our teaching careers both confirmed everyone is gifted. The trick is in recognizing and using those gifts.

Talking Turkey about Giving Thanks

I hope you're all well fed and have many reasons to give thanks. As el, JtC, and Wendy pointed out this week, the mythology surrounding the holiday is farcical....celebrating the genocide of first nations peoples and the colonization and occupation of their lands...makes America great? Overeating, hyper-consumerism, and football are also typical of the celebration. In my corner of the world huntin' is another part of the tradition. This week we'll take a quick look at the holiday before delving into the news. (6 min)