Ro Khanna, for reasons I find incomprehensible, has come to the defense of the actor Mark Ruffalo’s calling Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide.“ Why did he have to take this defense up? It would’ve been extremely easy for him to simply stay quiet. I checked online, and Khanna’s statement was not made in response to any request to him for a statement on this issue, but was made at his initiative. He is a terrible spokesperson for the Democratic Party.

I’m a Hakeem Jeffries fan

Very good news, Hakeem Jeffries has appointed both Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz to two positions on the House foreign affairs committee, which deals with Israel policy. This is a very strong statement from Jefferies.

Very good news, Hakeem Jeffries has appointed both Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz to two positions on the House foreign affairs committee, which deals with Israel policy. This is a very strong statement from Jefferies.

Jeffries district historic Jewish working class area

I was interested to learn that Hakeem Jeffries’ district in Brooklyn includes Brighton Beach. This is where my mom was born and grew up. There are a fair amount of Russian Jews now there. However, the district has a whole is only about 11% Jewish. I continue to be a big fan of his and to believe he is an excellent representative for the Democratic Party.

Hooray for Josh Shapiro

According to a new New York Times poll, Pennsylvania’s wonderful Josh Shapiro is leading his Republican opponent by 16% points. Hooray! Half of Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters support him for president. Hoping 2028 is a possibility.

Antisemitism “witchcraft”?

The left-wing mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson has branded worries about antisemitism in connection with opposition to Israel as “witchcraft.”He also appallingly blamed Jews for lack of resources going to the black community.

Newsom tries to stop wealth tax

Newsom attempted to negotiate a stop to the wealth tax in California. Yet another reason why I distrust this chameleon.

Google mogul campaigns against California wealth tax

Sergey Brin, who is worth $275 billion, is spending a fair bit of money on an ad campaign against a one -time 5% tax on the net wealth of Californians with a net worth of $1 billion or more. This is appalling. Pleased to see that the wealth tax has been officially endorsed by the California democratic party.

Iconic Chinese candy

Tried the iconic Chinese candy white rabbit this morning, after packaging picked up by influencers online in the US. My verdict: pretty good, though not fantastic. Would eat it again (good news, since I received a large package order from Amazon). it is very sticky and sticks to the teeth, not good dental news.

“Mommy, read!”

My grandson just said to my daughter, “Mommy, read!” He wanted a book.

Harvard staff cutbacks

The Harvard, faculty of arts and sciences, the heart of the university (the Kennedy school is a separate professional school, like the business school and the law school, not part of arts and sciences) has laid off as much as 25% of the staff, due to financial difficulties, partly though not completely due to the Trump administration. The Harvard, faculty of arts and sciences, the heart of the university (the Kennedy school is a separate professional school, like the business school and the law school, not part of arts and sciences) has laid off as much as 25% of the staff, due to financial difficulties, partly though not completely due to the Trump administration.

Gold bars in China

Gold bar consumption in China was up almost 30% last year, while gold jewelry consumption fell almost 35%.

The lead story on Fox this morning was about the tour de trump car race.

Arab countries acting against Palestinians in their countries

I saw a post online noting that Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq have all expelled Palestinians or limited their ability to work in their countries. Does this say something that the Arabs who know them best have trouble putting up with them?

Times charts on Trump broken promises

There is a full page feature in today’s New York Times, called “Trump‘s broken promises in eight charts.” Quite interesting. The economy has slowed since Trump came to office, actually quite significantly. Inflation, which was running way below wage increases when he came into office, is now as high as wage increases. Health insurance has gone up 26% in one year.

Tariffs Trump’s favorite word

Trump has again stated that “tariffs is my favorite word.” Higher prices and lower growth are his favorite ideas?

Swedish party leader wears Star of David

A Swedish party leader, whose ethnic background is Palestinian and Lebanese, wore a Star of David during a nationally televised party leader debate for the current Swedish election campaign, to show solidarity with Swedish Jews.

Spain denies overfly rights to Israeli plane helping quake victims

In an unbelievable action, the Spanish government refused to give an Israeli rescue flight overfly rights over Spanish territory to get to help victims of the Columbia earthquake.

DJT SUX

Secretary of transportation Duffy has been promoting on his website the new Donald J Trump international Airport in West Palm Beach Florida. He proudly points out that passengers will get a boarding pass marked DJT. It has been noted online that passengers flying from this airport to Sioux City Iowa will have the itinerary DJT SUX

Chinese communist party against nationalizing a failing company in the UK

In 2020 a Chinese company acquired the legacy steel maker British Steel, which had had economic problems for many years. Now, in the face of ongoing and deepening problems with the company, the British government is nationalizing it to save it. The current issue of Beijing review criticizes the nationalization of the company as unlikely to solve y problems.

Let me get this, a publication close to the Chinese communist party is attacking nationalizing an industry. Am I having an out of body experience?

My 20 month old grandson

My daughter’s 20 month old on the phone this morning identified me as wearing a “green shirt” and my wife as wearing a “blue shirt.“ My daughter’s 20 month old on the phone this morning identified me as wearing a “green shirt” and my wife as wearing a “blue shirt.“ My daughter’s 20 month old on the phone this morning identified me as wearing a “green shirt” and my wife as wearing a “blue shirt.“

One in six Israeli children is now ultra-orthodox. They are not learning math or English in their schools. Israel cannot afford to be dummed down this way.

Alex Vindman brother in Congress

Sad beyond words that Alex Vindman lost his race to the appalling Nixon. But nice to remember that his twin brother Eugene is already in Congress, representing Virginia, he was elected two years ago and is favored to be re-elected now. Two of the many amazing immigrants who make our country strong.

Criminal investigations against IDF killings of civilians

The IDF has announced criminal investigations into two killings of civilians in Gaza. The number of investigations, let alone criminal investigations, by Hamas of misconduct by their fighters is — zero.

Anti-Israel extremist wins in Florida

Angie Nixon, who shockingly beat the American hero Alex Vindman in Florida, sponsored a resolution a week after October 7 calling on Israel to stop fighting. She has also refused to condemn the “river to the sea” slogan. She epitomizes all of the worst problems of the Democratic Party right now. I could never vote for her.

The “socialism of fools”

A German social democratic leader in the 19th century once referred to antisemitism as the “socialism of fools.“ It’s back in force.

Federal government Inspectors General

The Times reports that Trump has appointed many political allies into jobs as agency inspectors general, jobs that have traditionally been held by career civil servants. I will confess I have never been the world’s greatest fan of inspectors general, who often pursue gotcha investigations against honest civil servants. Having said this, one good thing that can be said about them is that they are politically independent. That seems to be history now.

Abbott insults Texas Muslims

Abbott has threatened to remove state funding for airports in Texas that provide ritual washing stations for Muslim travelers. An Abbott supporter has stated, “I won’t rest until every Muslim is gone.”

Mexican food

The lead article in the weekly food section of The New York Times is called, “The Golden Age of Mexican food.” I actually started eating Mexican food as an undergraduate 60 years ago. There was a restaurant in Harvard Square called Casa Mexico, where I often went with my a friend and his Mexican American roommate. (There were very very few Mexican Americans at Harvard when I was there 60 years ago.) I had never eaten Mexican food before. I invariably ordered chicken tostadas, with a generous portion of melted cheese. I frequently went to this restaurant, which closed a number of years ago (but was around for many years after I graduated. There are currently two Taquerias in Harvard Square, both which I like a lot.

Nate Cohn, the polling analyst for the New York Times, writes a story today presenting evidence that left-wing candidates typically do worse in general elections than mainstream ones. El Sayed has been behind in every general election poll taken since his nomination, one new one shows behind by four points. Elizabeth Warren typically under performs Democratic candidates in Massachusetts by around 10 points.

Filling out a form to attend synagogue services in Stockholm

Just filled out a long form from the great synagogue in Stockholm to get permission to attend high holy day services there. They obviously do not want unvented people to come inside the building.

At least in past years and I’m guessing also this year as well, there’s police protection outside the synagogue.

Livestreaming a pogrom

Seen online: “Hamas literally livestreamed a pogrom and ended up with large parts of the world on their side.” But antisemitism is not a significant problem.

Trump cuts back cooperation with

Korea

Trump is cutting back on our joint military cooperation with our democratic ally South Korea, citing his good relationship with the brutal dictator Kim Jung Il. This is sickening, and I want to express my friendship and solidarity with friends in Korea.

Raids against independent bookstores in Hong Kong

The puppet authorities in Hong Kong have raided two independent bookstores in the city. Apparently they were especially targeting books coming from Taiwan. Both bookstores have now shut down. Another sickening nail in the coffin of freedom in Hong Kong, really terrible.

Beating men with “inadequate” beards in Afghanistan

The Economist reports that in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, men with inadequate beards, or even worse those who are clean-shaven, are frequently beaten.

Chinese friend in Washington misses American food

A Chinese friend reports that she just returned from a month in China visiting her family and missed American food. She had a ribeye steak for dinner last night.

A Democratic candidate for Lieutenant governor in New York was asked at a meeting about what she would do to combat antisemitism in the city. She evaded the question and then had a questioner ejected from the room.

Mamdani talks about Gaza genocide even before Israel attacks

On October 13, 2023, less than a week after the attack on Israel and two weeks before Israel began its ground offensive, Mamdani, then a New York State assemblymen, stated at a rally, “We are on the brink of a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza right now.” Didn’t wait long to start this language. On October 13, 2023, less than a week after the attack on Israel and two weeks before Israel began its ground offensive, Mamdani, then a New York State assemblymen, stated at a rally, “We are on the brink of a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza right now.” Didn’t wait long to start this language.

Collecting dinosaur skeletons

Business week this week reports that dinosaur skeletons have become a hot new asset class among billionaires. A reconstructed Tyrannosaurus rex has been auctioned by Christie’s alongside works by Picasso. Ken Griffin bought a stegosaurus for $44 million, and Leonardo DiCaprio has bought a dinosaur as well. Crazy, anyone?

Khanna goes after Trump ballroom

Khanna as taken on the fight against Trump’s ballroom play palace. He should stick to this, and stop attacking Israel.

Apology for Hasan Piker?
The anti-Israel extremist Hasan Piker has now demanded that the Democratic Party publicly defend him against criticism. Now we can add to his sins an inflated sense of self importance.

Avoiding discussing antisemitism

A Democratic candidate for Lieutenant governor in New York was asked at a meeting about what she would do to combat antisemitism in the city. She evaded the question and then had a questioner ejected from the room.

Big topic of social media posts – Sleep

There are three times as many social media posts on sleep as on exercise, and five times as many as those on diet.

Leftist Nicarauga leader explains why no elections

The left-wing leader of Nicaragua has announced that “there will never be elections again” in Nicaragua. His justification was that the opposition wanted to use elections to “seize power.” The left-wing leader of Nicaragua has announced that “there will never be elections again” in Nicaragua. His justification was that the opposition wanted to use elections to “seize power.”

The Washington Post has an article today identifying the three Democratic front runners at this point as Newsom, AOC, and Harris. These are three of my personal least favorite candidates.

Tlaib at rally against two Jewish members of Congress

Rashida Tlaib is at a rally in Florida seeking to defeat two Jewish members of Congress, Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the only politicians highlighted in the rally. It would be unfair to call her antisemitic, however.

Truth Social tanks

traffic on Trump’s “truth” social site is down 36% from a year ago.

Israel West Bank settlers attacking Palestinians in their homes

Israeli settlers on the West Bank have been attacking Palestinians in their homes. They have burned down mosques. Israeli soldiers have been working to disperse them, now more troops will be sent into the area. These settlers should go back home to Israel.

Chinese women coming to US to

give birth

A fox report this morning stated that Chinese mothers coming to the US to give birth was “contributing to the illegal migrant crisis“ in the US. Whatever anyone thinks of this practice, it involves very wealthy Chinese women who spent a lot of money to often live in the US at a hotel for six months so they are not visibly pregnant when they arrive. This is not the illegal immigrant working as a dishwasher in a restaurant.

Antisemitism in northern Virginia

suburb

The Bari Weiss site The free press has a disturbing article about antisemitism in a high school in Arlington Virginia. Although Northern Virginia is much less Jewish than Montgomery County Maryland, we had an amazing experience with the public schools in McLean. The overall educational quality was out of this world, and the gifted talented programs my kids were in were probably about 25% or more Jewish.

Artificial intelligence in China

Xi Jinping has stated that China seeks to use artificial intelligence “to improve oversight of cyberspace and promote socialist values.” In other words, he seeks to make artificial intelligence another government control tool. In the democratic world, we need to be aware of this danger from them.

Swedish wine production

Swedish TV news reports that with global warming allowing Sweden to grow wine grapes, the country will for the first time actually be producing wine. France and Italy, step aside!

Company AI investments

After announcing large investments in AI, the stocks of Nvidia, Google, and SpaceX all plummeted.

Red Bull at McDonald’s

McDonald’s is testing the carbonated high caffeine energy drink Red Bull. Wonder if this is consistent with McDonald’s mainstream, kid friendly image. I would never want my grandson drinking Red Bull.

am not wild about the rush by leading Democratic politicians to get behind El Sayed, who has accused Israel of genocide and sidestepped questions about whether it even has the right to exist as a Jewish state. Can’t they just keep quiet?

Sanders defends Piker

Sanders has actually defended the presence of the disgusting antisemite Piker, who has said Hamas is “a thousand times better than Israel,” in the Democratic Party. Truly sickening. He has zero credibility left.

Sayed was Michigan valedictorian

Interesting to learn that Sayed was the valedictorian of his class at the University of Michigan. Again, not his biggest fan, but this is impressive information about his intelligence.

Conservative Republican congresswoman

On CNN

As I was turning on CNN just now, there was an interview with the Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace. I didn’t catch exactly what she was saying, but I heard her say after talking about some people whose opinions she disagreed with that they should “go back to their own country.” CNN’s magnificent Van Jones then made an observation to the effect that we have a tradition of welcoming different people into our country. Nice both that CNN has Republicans on, as they often do and Fox seldom does with Democrats. And their reporter did an excellent job responding to her rant.

Election security company loses government

Contract

The IT site NextgovFCW, which follows information technology in the federal government, reports that a company tasked with looking at election security wrote a report concluding that there were some vulnerabilities in the system, but no evidence that these vulnerabilities had changed any votes. When the report was sent to the government, the Trump administration cut off the follow-on work they were hoping to do and stopped the contract.

No reviews for pro-Israel book

There is an article in The Forward today about the conservative British intellectual Douglas Murray, who has published a new book defending Israel. The article notes that many of his past works have been controversial, but widely discussed. This one, however, has apparently been largely ignored by reviewers. The writer in The Forward rightly regards this as troubling. Christopher H. Foreman Chris Gersten

There is an article in The Forward today about the conservative British intellectual Douglas Murray, who has published a new book defending Israel. The article notes that many of his past works have been controversial, but widely discussed. This one, however, has apparently been largely ignored by reviewers. The writer in The Forward rightly regards this as troubling.

Vandalizing surveillance cameras

There is a report on the news of vandalizing surveillance cameras on streets in Minnesota. My own opinion is I have zero objection to such cameras in a free society such as ours (such cameras are sometimes used for political purposes, particularly in China) if they can protect me better against crime.

Sayed wins, Dem chances to take seat decline

After Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate nomination, probability of Democrats winning the seat on the prediction markets fell from 79% to 59%.

American Psychological Association spurns

Jewish members

The American psychological Association has six officially recognized ethnic subgroups, including those representing Arab Americans and black psychologists. The organization has twice delayed a vote to recognize an association of Jewish psychologists.

“Democratic Socialists of America” ·

I have been watching an interesting long interview with the vice chair of the so-called Democratic socialists of America. She stated the organization believes in “a free Palestine with its capital of Jerusalem.” There seems to be no room for Israel in this picture. Michael Harrington, who founded this organization several decades ago and who supported Israel, would really have turned in his grave on this one.

Sanders has actually defended the presence of the disgusting antisemite Piker, who has said Hamas is “a thousand times better than Israel,” in the Democratic Party. Truly sickening. He has zero credibility left.

Dems have problems with anti-Israel fanatics – so do R’s

We Democrats have a lot of problems with our anti-Israel fanatics. In a way (though not really) nice to know that Republicans have Tucker Carlsson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Thomas Massie. We Democrats have a lot of problems with our anti-Israel fanatics. In a way (though not really) nice to know that Republicans have Tucker Carlsson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Thomas Massie.

Fauci in contempt?

The Senate republican majority pushed through a motion to hold Dr. Fauci “in contempt of Congress.” I am in contempt of this terrible move against a public servant

Birth tourism

Trump has signed an executive order trying to reduce or eliminate so-called ”birth tourism,“ where foreigners, often from China, come to the US, simply to give birth here because of birthright citizenship in the US Constitution. I haven’t looked at the specifics of the order, but it indeed does address an abuse that we should try to stop.

Hamas activists ruin animal rights

event

The annual animal rights day event that has taken place for years in New York will not occur this year. The reason is that at last year‘s event, pro-Hamas activists took over the demonstration and drove many other participants away with anti-Israel banners and slogans.

El Sayed: take opponents “to the mud”

El Sayed has said about people who oppose him, “We take them to the mud and choke them out.“ This sounds like Stalinism from the infamous third period of opposing “social fascism,” that is social democracyEl Sayed has said about people who oppose him, “We take them to the mud and choke them out.“ This sounds like Stalinism from the infamous third period of opposing “social fascism,” that is social democracy.

Hot pot gives way to burgers among

kids in China

Apparently, hot pot (Huo guo), my go to lunch or dinner food for whenever I am eating with Chinese students and often faculty, is losing popularity among young people in China compared to hamburgers. In hot pot, a small vat of broth is heated up with vegetables (my personal favorite is lotus root) and meat, I think most commonly lamb but I personally prefer white meat chicken, are added one by one with chopsticks and quickly heated, and then immediately eaten. There are great sauces, both spicy and sweet, available on the side. Any American going to China and meeting with Chinese friends should really try to experience this. There are also hot pot restaurants in most American cities where there is a significant Chinese presence, Cambridge has an outlet of the Chinese hot pot chain Little LambApparently, hot pot (Huo guo), my go to lunch or dinner food for whenever I am eating with Chinese students and often faculty, is losing popularity among young people in China compared to hamburgers. In hot pot, a small vat of broth is heated up with vegetables (my personal favorite is lotus root) and meat, I think most commonly lamb but I personally prefer white meat chicken, are added one by one with chopsticks and quickly heated, and then immediately eaten. There are great sauces, both spicy and sweet, available on the side. Any American going to China and meeting with Chinese friends should really try to experience this. There are also hot pot restaurants in most American cities where there is a significant Chinese presence, Cambridge has an outlet of the Chinese hot pot chain Little Lamb.

Orthodox Jews use scooters to get to synagogue on Sabbath

Observant Jews are not allowed to drive on the Sabbath, and often choose to live close enough to a synagogue so they can walk. The Forward has a fun story about the increasing use of scooters by orthodox Jews as a way to get from home to Sabbath services. They are apparently compliant with Jewish law, since they are not motorized.

AIPAC lobbying

AIPAC ranks as the 233rd largest American lobbying group in Washington based on the amount of money they spend. Not exactly the biggest lobby in Washington.

“Israel conspiracy generator”

I have come across a gag website called israelconspracygenerator.grok.me. The site invites readers to click a link called “generate a conspiracy.” We should try to look for ways to treat Israel haters with humorous contempt.

The two races I was watching most closely (not surprisingly) were Stevens vs. El Sayed in Michigan and Wesley Bell vs. Cori Bush in Missouri.

El Sayed — who called Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide and endorsed a complete cutoff of military aid — did eke out a victory, but he won by only one point, compared to a polling average of a 10-point lead reported by Real Politics just before the election.

It is very likely that El Sayed will lose in November, flipping a Democratic Senate seat to the Republicans and striking an arrow in Democratic hopes to take the Senate. Thank you Abdul.

In Missouri, mainstream and pro-Israel Democrat Wesley Bell won a decisive victory over Cori Bush. When he first won his seat two years ago, he won with a very narrow 51% of this vote. This time he won with 59%. Bush had the distinction of being one of the most anti-Israel members of Congress, calling for a ceasefire just a few days after the October 7 attack on Israel, before Israel had launched its counteroffensive.

There hasn’t been a huge amount of good news for mainstream Democrats in recent times. I am really hoping that these results will presage a new birth for the mainstream and good results for mainstream Democrats in November and beyond.

An internal assessment by the career staff of the National Park Service has concluded that the proposed Arc de Trump “would change the skyline of Washington to such an extent that it would intrude on views at dozens of historic sites around the capital.”

Swastika on monument to Spanish Jewish philosopher

A Nazi swastika has been painted on the statue of Maimonides in Córdoba, one of the city’s most revered historical figures and one of the greatest Jewish philosophers of the Middle Ages.

Located in the heart of Córdoba’s historic Jewish Quarter, the monument stands as a symbol of the city’s rich Jewish

heritage. Checked online, and doesn’t seem to have been any statement by the Cordoba or Spanish government denouncing this horror.

Hoping for a Jewish massacre repeat

This hate filled woman says that Palestinians will massacre Jews like her parents did to Jews in Hebron in 1936, site of a horrific massacre by Arabs.

Israel arrests off duty soldier for shooting Palestinian

Israeli police have arrested an off duty IDF soldier and West Bank settler for shooting a Palestinian child. A Hamas soldier who did that against an Israeli would just as likely get a cash reward. Hamas has a “pay for slay” program where they make monthly payments to families of terrorists imprisoned for killing Israelis.

Vandalism against Christian sites in Israel

Israel is struggling against vandalism against Christian properties in Jerusalem by Jewish extremists. We expect Israel to take on such a fight. Something analogous cannot be taken for granted with Hamas.

Paying insurrectionists

Trump is now threatening to revive the abandoned fund to pay compensation to January 6 insurrectionists.

US “cowboy culture”

Swedish TV news has a long report on the spread of “cowboy culture” in the United States.

Student who didn’t want to “work for Jews”

Austin Franco, the Cornell student who proclaimed publicly that he had turned down a summer job offer because he didn’t want to “work for Jews,“ has now been told by his parents he is no longer welcome to come home, an understandable reaction. He is now raising money online to support himself. I am guessing there are antisemites out there who will be eager to support him. He doesn’t seem to have considered looking for a different job, he prefers just emitting antisemitic outbursts.

More testosterone?

Senator Mark Kelly, a military hero, has reacted to a statement by Hegseth that military needed “more testosterone” by remarking that military needed better leadership, not more testosterone.

Bookstore appearance by author of book on being Jewish cancelled

A bookstore in Nashville canceled a book event with the author of a book about Israel after a social media campaign demanding the event be stopped. Why do we keep seeing these horrific outbursts?

Older people start conversations with health problems

Reading in a Swedish novel I’m reading about how older people start conversations by talking about their health problems and pains. Thought that there was a period my older years when I did that all the time now but don’t think I’ve done it recently!.

Kosher restaurant destroyed by arson

A kosher restaurant in Montreal has been destroyed in an arson attack. Can we talk about an epidemic of antisemitism?

Fetterman won’t leave Dems

Fetterman says he will “never leave” the Democratic Party thank you, we need your voice in the party.

Boy George won’t “pipe down” on

Israel

Boy George, the British artist who is also gay, has come under significant attack for his support of Israel. He has said that some friends have urged him to “pipe down” in his support for Israel. “That is not an option,” he responded. Thank you for your integrity and your bravery.

Michigan AG skips Dem convention

Michigan’s Jewish Attorney General has explained her decision not to attend the party’s convention. “I don’t want to get harassed, I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at, I don’t want to get booed off the stage.” All these things have happened to her, she added.

Toadying story about El Sayed

Another toadying story in the American prospect about the Israel hater El Sayed. Disappointing for what it says about the state of opinion among mainstream liberal Democrats about Israel. As a pro-Israel Democrat this is distressing to me beyond words.

“Jewwashing”

The Jewish website JNS accuses Bernie Sanders of “Jewwashing,” providing Jewish cover for anti-Israel and even antisemitic figures.

Hasan Piker had actually criticized an article in the respected weekly the Economist on Chinese environmental policy. Amazing he is going after them, hardly imagine that many of his followers read the The Economist. He has become a loyal Chinese Communist Party tool.

Trump approval numbers

Trump’s approval numbers are now at record lows, just above 30%.

Ossoff for President?

on Ossoff may be a serious Democratic candidate for 2028. One sign is that Trump has been attacking him more and more. Want to learn more about him on Ossoff may be a serious Democratic candidate for 2028. One sign is that Trump has been attacking him more and more. Want to learn more about him.

Mamdani and Jews

Questioned about his lack of Jewish judicial appointments, Mamdani focused on one applicant who had worked as an attorney for Gislaine Maxwell. This gaslighting said nothing about the many other Jewish applicants he also rejected.

Attacks on Fauci

The Washington Post writes today about the assault on Dr. Fauci at the hearings yesterday by Republican members of the committee. “They mocked, goaded, and at times flat out insulted him.” A sickening performance against a dedicated public servant.

Selling FIFA to private investors

The European football Federation has announced they will boycott events being sponsored by FIFA if the plans are implemented to sell this nonprofit organization to private investors. Such a bizarre scheme could only have been hatched by Trump in consultation with his awful crony.

Cuba would welcome investment by

Trump

n an interview with the New York Times, a Cuban communist leader stated that the country would not only welcome foreign investment general, but be happy to welcome personal investments from Trump. They seem excellent students of the book of crony capitalism.

Attacks on Israeli tourists

There have been two incidents in the last 24 hours, in Mexico and the island of Crete, where Israeli tourists have been harassed and hounded while on vacation.

Reception for Pride in Sweden

Israel’s ambassador to Sweden has held a reception at the residence of the ambassador in honor of the pride festival in Sweden.

Britain’s new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham has rejected calls to denounce Israel for genocide. The situation in Gaza is not a genocide, he has stated. Good for him, thank you!

Swedes supporting Jews in Sweden

Three leading politicians from the center-left Swedish center party have stated that Stockholm needs to take concrete steps to secure Jewish life in the city. Thank you from an American Jew with many friends in Sweden.

Vandalism Jewish-owned deli in Boston

A Jewish-owned deli in Brookline, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb with many Jewish residents , including Israeli and Russian Jews, has been repeatedly vandalized since October 7.

Disappointing from liberal mag

Sadly, the liberal magazine American prospect is at it again with hostility to Israel. They have run an adoring portrait of the Wisconsin leftist advocate Francesca Hong, who has supported repealing the state’s anti-BDS legislation and eliminating the state’s use of the internationally accepted definition of antisemitism. They continue to disappoint.

Bank robberies cool?

Asked at a discussion hosted by The New York Times whether he would think of stealing priceless artworks from the Louvre, Hasan Piker responded, “Yeah I think it’s cool. We’ve got to get back to cool crimes like that. Bank robberies, stealing priceless artifacts, things for that nature.”

In a recent interview, Chevalier refused four times to agree that murderers should be locked upc.

Saudis and Israel

Trump is telling Saudi Arabia that as a condition for proceeding with his nuclear deal with them, they

must establish diplomatic relations with Israel. I believe it is no secret that I am not a Donald Trump fan, but I applaud his action here.

RFK: Make America safe for scammers again

RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach. RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach.

Swedes supporting Jews in Sweden

Three leading politicians from the center-left Swedish center party have stated that Stockholm needs to take concrete steps to secure Jewish life in the city. Thank you from an American Jew with many friends in Sweden.

Vandalism on Jewish-owned deli in Boston

A Jewish-owned deli in Brookline, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb with many Jewish residents , including Israeli and Russian Jews, has been repeatedly vandalized since October 7.

Disappointing from liberal mag

Sadly, the liberal magazine American prospect is at it again with hostility to Israel. They have run an adoring portrait of the Wisconsin leftist advocate Francesca Hong, who has supported repealing the state’s anti-BDS legislation and eliminating the state’s use of the internationally accepted definition of antisemitism. They continue to disappoint.

Bank robberies cool?

Asked at a discussion hosted by The New York Times whether he would think of stealing priceless artworks from the Louvre, Hasan Piker responded, “Yeah I think it’s cool. We’ve got to get back to cool crimes like that. Bank robberies, stealing priceless artifacts, things for that nature.”

In a recent interview, Chevalier refused four times to agree that murderers should be locked upc.

Saudis and Israel

Trump is telling Saudi Arabia that as a condition for proceeding with his nuclear deal with them, they must establish diplomatic relations with Israel. I believe it is no secret that I am not a Donald Trump fan, but I applaud his action here.

RFK: Make America safe for scammers again

RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach. RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach.

The Social Security administration has been sending out a stream of partisan pro-Trump messages to the tens of millions of people who have created “my Social Security” accounts. They state that Trump is delivering “historic benefits” to Social Security recipients.

“Free Palestine” message at show for kids in Swedish amusement park

Two performers at a Swedish entertainment show broadcast live on television and directed at children at an amusement park in the middle of Stockholm took out Palestinian flags during their performance and shouted Free Palestine.

”Gays for Palestine” and attack at Berlin pride parade

oogle AI was unable to locate any statement by the US group Gays for Gaza criticizing the attack by an Islamist on the gay pride parade in Berlin, where a parade participant was killed.

My Senator supporting El Sayed

I have just sent a letter to Senator Elizabeth Warren, who represents me here in Massachusetts, to criticize her support for Abdul.El Sayed, who is running for Senate mostly on a platform of hatred for Israel, in Michigan. Why she is becoming involved in of all places this race at all is to me inexplicable. He is actually running against the mainstream Democrat, and female, governor of Michigan, Haley Stevens. Supporting this particular individual is shocking. I am a strong Democrat and will not vote for a Republican, but I’ve written to her that if she continues this behavior, I will abstain in her next race.

Opposing Israel becoming de rigueur among Democrats???

A state legislator in Maine named Troy Jackson has been selected to be the Democratic senator candidate after the withdrawal of the odious Platner. Although he has seldom made any statements related to anything about foreign policy as a state legislator, he has now come out against the “genocide” in Gaza. This is a horrifying sign of these views becoming mainstream or even required in the Democratic Party. As a pro-Israel Democrat, I will never accept this.

Chinese coffee chain comes to Manhattan

The Chinese coffee chain Luckin coffee has now opened about 15 outlets in Manhattan. Worldwide, Starbucks still has more outlets 41,000 versus 33,000. They do not accept cash, you can pay using their app or a QR code you set up at the store. Their full retail price for a cup of coffee is over five dollars, compared to $3.25 for Starbucks in New York. However, they have constant app based promotions that bring the coffee below two dollars. 

At least at the stores I have been in in China, there is almost no space inside, people order, and then drink the coffee on the street.

Partisan polarization on Islam in US

The Economist reports increased partisan polarization over time on the statement, “The values of Islam are at odds with American values and way of life.” 80% of Republicans now agree, from 60% in 2000. 30% of Democrats agree down from 40% that earlier year.

Renaming Penn Station in New York after Trump?

In a letter to the oversight committees of the transportation department, Secretary Duffy has listed renaming Penn Station after Trump as an “administration priority.“

Asked at a discussion hosted by The New York Times whether he would think of stealing priceless artworks from the Louvre, Hasan Piker responded, “Yeah I think it’s cool. We’ve got to get back to cool crimes like that. Bank robberies, stealing priceless artifacts, things for that nature.”

In a recent interview, Chevalier refused four times to agree that murderers should be locked upc.

Nice news today

Some nice news today. Alena Hernandez, an Arizonan Jewish Democrat, has won a hotly contested legislative race by 8 points. Her opponent had accused her of being a tool of “foreign” forces and of supporting “genocide.”

Saudis and Israel

Trump is telling Saudi Arabia that as a condition for proceeding with his nuclear deal with them, they must establish diplomatic relations with Israel. I believe it is no secret that I am not a Donald Trump fan, but I applaud his action here.

RFK: Make America safe for scammers again

RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach. RFK Jr has become involved in promoting the use of peptides for body strengthening and injury recovery, despite the skepticism of FDA scientists and many impartial experts, noting the lack of any evidence on their behalf. He has now appointed a bunch of people to the advisory panel that deals with this topic who have themselves promoted use of peptides. Make America a victim of scams again seems to be his approach.

Assaults on Jews in NYC

During one week in New York, an assailant attacked two men, one of whom who was visibly Jewish, on the street, while yelling Allahu Akbar. Earlier in the week, a 64-year-old man was injured in Brooklyn by an assailant screaming antisemitic slogans.

Reincarnation of student radical group from the sixties

I just learned that a new incarnation of the old 1960s student group, Students for Democratic society, which started off reflecting its name and ended up as a Maoist pro-totalitarian organization with terrorist offshoots, was formed in 2006. At one point it had over 100 chapters, but it’s now down to 40. According to what I read, they have been active recently in anti-Israel protests. Sounds like they took up where their unillustrious predecessor left off.

Israel supporters “outliers” in US?

I was frankly appalled to see the statement by Bob Kuttner o the left-liberal but not weird publication American Prospect, an old acquaintance whom I’ve known for a very long time, celebrating that defenders of Israel are now considered to be “the outliers” in American politics. It is conceivable that this is true, but if that’s so this is something for deep sadness, not rejoicing. Can it be a source of celebration that the only democracy in the Middle East is being ostracized, while religious fanatics and anti-Western extremists are at best given a pass, at worst, actually embraced?

Scalping tickets for AI conference in China

Tickets for a big AI conference taking place in China now retail at $25, but are being scalped for about five times that amount. New college graduates looking for jobs showed up, also parents bringing their children along to get them interested in technology.

Mamdani takes on

Netanyahu

Mamdani has done a wonderful job giving a boost to Netanyahu in his race to be reelected in the upcoming Israeli polls. He probably doesn’t mind, Netanyahu is a nice bogeyman.

The odious Piker appeared at the College Democrats convention wearing a Mao suit. He has called Mao “one of the great leaders of this world” and said he “never would and never will criticize him.” Not even for being responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people?

AARP cable ads

AARP advertises regularly on Fox. I checked online, and they also advertise on both CNN and MSNBC AARP advertises regularly on Fox. I checked online, and they also advertise on both CNN and MSNBC. As a Fox watcher, wanted to check, wondered if only Fox because of their elderly demographic.

Stomping on Israeli flag at celebration of World Cup

in Spain

Wow, some people in Spain took the occasion of the World Cup victory to step on the Israeli flag. Did this unbelievable demonstration of antisemitism actually happen?

Jewish DJ booed and harassed off stage in France

A French Jewish DJ (who happens to be gay) was.booed and harassed off stage by anti-Israel protesters, though her act had nothing to do with Israel. But of course, these people are not antisemitic.

Shorts in the office in

Japan

The Times has an article today on the Japanese government encouraging office workers to wear shorts to work during hot summer days, to save energy. The article points out this is a radical departure from the Japanese tradition of men in suits and ties. The Times has an article today on the Japanese government encouraging office workers to wear shorts to work during hot summer days, to save energy. The article points out this is a radical departure from the Japanese tradition of men in suits and ties.

Maoist bottles of wine

The wealthy Swedish “Maoist” (and Hamas lover) Jan Guillou, who is one of Sweden’s most popular novelists, discussed at the beginning of his new book, which I’m reading, that his house “barely has enough room for 1000 bottles” of wine.

”Schools of Marxism” in China

I was pleased to learn via an article in the new issue of Beijing review that many Chinese universities have a “School of Marxism.“

Fox’s latest China CCTV imitation was their report on the birth of a child to vice president Vance. One of the probing questions from the reporter was, “Is it true that it is a very important priority for this administration to promote our families?”

More exports to US from Taiwan

than China

Amazing statistic: for the first five months of this year, the value of Taiwan’s exports to the US was greater than that of China’s exports to the US. Taiwan jia you.

“Stop Jewish hate”

In 2021, during some of the anti-Asian viciousness that was afflicting the United States at the time, I changed my Facebook profile picture to use text from an organization that fought such hatred. So my profile picture text now states, “Stand against racism. Stop Asian hate.”

If I can figure out how to do this (can anyone help?) I would like to change my profile message to “Stand against racism. Stop Jewish Hate.”

Republican former Federal Election Commission chair on Trump election denial

A former Republican chairman of the federal election commission commented regarding Trump‘s obsession with his claims he did not lose the 2020 election, “It does feel a little like C A former Republican chairman of the federal election commission commented regarding Trump‘s obsession with his claims he did not lose the 2020 election, “It does feel a little like Captain Ahab in Moby Dick.”

“Inciting gender antagonism” in

China

Last year, the Chinese social media site weibo punished 15,000 accounts, and deleted 650,000 posts, for “inciting gender antagonism,” mostly material, regarded as too feminist.

Jon Jerkossoff?

Trump has referred to Jon Ossoff, who is running for Senate in Georgia , as “Jon Jerkossoff.” This is a level of disrespect in a league with some of the people on my Facebook page.

Department of War?

In their respective stories on the Iran attacks this morning, Fox again referred to the so-called “department of war,” while ABC referred to it by its correct name as established by Congress, the department of defense.

Selling access to Truth Social

Trump will be allowing people to pay for quicker access to posts in Truth Social, so they can

engage in insider trading over his market-moving announcements.

Toadying in Hong Kong

The toadying Hong Kong South China morning post is reporting that some Russian scientist said that China was now the leading science country in the world.

Too cold in US malls

My friend Joe Klein refers in his column today in passing to the “chilled too chilly air” in American public spaces. Interesting, I thought I was the only person who was really annoyed by excessively frozen air in American malls.

“Sissy men” not welcome

in China The article in the Economist on feminism in China, also discusses Xi’s campaign against “sissy men.” The government issued a directive in 2021 to eliminate “sissy men and other abnormal aesthetics.” After this directive, a number of TV personalities and androgynous boy bands were actually taken off the air.

Election deniers

66% of self identified Maga Republicans believe the 2020 election was rigged, but only 32% of other Republicans.

The coverage noted that his own Attorney General acknowledged no evidence of voter fraud and that the Republican Secretary of State in Pennsylvania had said that all evidence showed that non-citizen voting is extremely rare.

Trump’s nominee for Director of national intelligence refused to state at his confirmation hearing that Biden won the 2020 election. Is being intelligent a requirement for being the director of intelligence?

People rooting for the US at the World

Cup?

One of Fox’s more odious hosts said today that people around the world are rooting for the US in the World Cup because people now admire America “like never before.” It is unclear where Kilmeade got this supposed information. The Pew research center reports a collapse in favorable views of the US across 36 countries around the world since 2022.

Pro-Hamas demo in Sweden insults holocaust victims

The Swedish association of holocaust survivors has issued a statement expressing “disgust” for the “total cynicism“ of the demonstration in Stockholm yesterday that compared the situation in Gaza to the “deaths of our loved ones” in the holocaust.

Palestine “liberation” will unlock all

good?

An excellent article in The Forward discusses pro-Hamas sentiment (I much prefer this term to pro  Palestinian) as involving “an almost messianic notion that Palestinian liberation would unlock everything from world peace to Medicare for all.”

”Carceral”?

I saw a post about a Harvard sociology PhD student running for Cambridge city Council. The post used the word. “carceral,” meaning relating to imprisonment. This is one of these jargon terms that is common on the far left, there’s a similar collection of similar terms used by the far right. Both seek to set up a parallel discourse universe from normal conversation. I saw a post about a Harvard sociology PhD student running for Cambridge city Council. The post used the word. “carceral,” meaning relating to imprisonment. This is one of these jargon terms that is common on the far left, there’s a similar collection of similar terms used by the far right. Both seek to set up a parallel discourse universe from normal conversation.

Immigrant shooting

The Houston District Attorney has said they were investigating the shooting of an immigrant who had been in the country for 35 years and worked in construction, most recently owning his own business. They are saying that the federal government is not cooperating in the investigation and has refused to provide the identity of the agents involved.

Gotcha?

At a hearing, a Republican member of Congress try to engage in what she thought was a gotcha by asking a medical school dean who was testifying whether a man could get pregnant. The witness said that a biological woman who identified as a male could get pregnant. The answer was reasonable. Fox went wild about the exchange.

AIPAC is the 233rd largest lobbying group in United States, yet they get as much attention as any other lobbying group Of course, this has nothing to do with antisemitism.

Fox brings on a guest from DSA

I was favorably impressed to see that Fox brought on a woman from DSA this morning. Presenting people with very different political points of view is the standard approach at CNN, but not typically at Fox. And the woman they brought on was very well spoken and reasonable, not a weirdo whom their viewers could easily dismiss. Hope Fox will do this more often.

Khanna refuses to meet with former Israeli hostages

New York Post reports that Khanna during his Mideast trip did not respond to an invitation to meet with October 7 survivors and former hostages.

Trump brings gold to presidential box

Several days after Trump took office, a decision was made to redesign the presidential boxes. The plans included gold plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms, gold covers for electric outlets, and marble baseboards.

Patel directs investigation of Times journalists

from the White House

Patel has been personally directing the FBI investigation of The New York Times over its story on security problems in his new airplane, spending the entire day yesterday at the White House on this. Since the days of Richard Nixon, FBI investigations have not been run out of the White House.

Gaza like Auschwitz?

There was an anti-Israel demonstration in Stockholm where demonstrators set up an image with the word Gaza in a way to look like the entrance to the Auschwitz concentration camp. A Swedish pro Israel organization said in the post above that this was “an insulting attack on the victims of the holocaust.”

Lindsay Graham “rot in hell”?

I was disappointed to see a Facebook friend whom I generally respect comment on the death of Lindsey Graham with the abbreviation for “rot in hell.” Can’t we do better in creating a modicum of decency in our public discourse?

Chicken nuggets in the Hamptons

There is a story on the front page of today’s Times about the popularity of nostalgic chicken nuggets among the uberrich in the Hamptons on Long Island. “A few restaurants offer. ‘adult chicken nuggets’ on the menu, and some private chefs say that homemade nuggets are their most requested item.”

Hasan Piker in China

Hasan Piker has recently spent several days in China, where his visit was enthusiastically covered by Chinese official media directed towards English-speaking audiences. He rejected criticisms of China’s human rights record and supported the Chinese government line on Taiwan. More evidence he is an awful nightmare.

A global innovation index, which measures innovation in different cities by looking at share of patent awards and scientific citations, ranks Cambridge England as just ahead of Cambridge Massachusetts. These two are in second and third place internationally, first place goes to Shenzhen in China near Hong Kong.

Platner’s problems

The great Jewish daily the Forward discusses the astonishing conspiracy theory that is now out there suggesting that AIPAC is behind Platner’s problems. Platner is behind Platner’s problems.

El Sayed on defunding the police

The extremist anti-Israel Michigan Senate candidate El Sayed has said in an interview with CNN that he continues to favor defunding the police. Nominating him is a good recipe for Democrats to lose the Michigan Senate seat.

He has also said that the only reason a politician could support Israel was because of money. But of course, this was not an antisemitic statement.

Trump withholding antiterrorism funding

DHS has said it will withhold 20% of antiterrorism funding for states provided by the federal government if they do not comply with Trump efforts to limit the ability to vote.

Code Pink

The extremist site Code pink has developed a new side hustle in addition to hating Israel. They are now loving Cuba and its dictatorship. The billionaire founder of the site is close to Communist China.

Trump back to wanting Greenland again

Trump annoyingly raised again his demand that the United States take over Greenland from Denmark at the NATO Summit meeting going on now. This was greeted with great enthusiasm by the allies present.

AIPAC a foreign organization?

AIPAC is now being described by some on the left such as Tlaib and Omar as a “foreign organization.“ I don’t always agree with AIpac by any means, but this accusation is false and antisemitic. AIPAC is an American organization.

It is particularly inappropriate for Omar to raise this issue since she was not born in United States and has been denounced by some on the right as not being a real American. (Neither I nor anyone I know has done that.).

American professor teaching in China more Marxist than the Chinese

Perhaps the most annoying writer in the Beijing review magazine is an American who teaches in China and who preaches a Marxism far stronger and more dogmatic than that presented by any of the Chinese authors in the magazine. In the new issue, he discusses Xi Jinping’s development of the brilliant idea of the so-called “two integrations,” integrating “the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities” and integrating those tenets with China’s fine traditional culture.”

Fox vs. CNN demographics

I frequently see ads on Fox for a product called particle one, which is directed at dealing with eyebags on older men. I was curious whether they advertised on CNN as well. Checked online, and I learned that occasionally they do advertise on CNN, but their main advertisement outlet nationally is Fox. This is consistent with the idea that Fox’s main demographic is older guys.

Steve Kelman