MAFIOSO

 

Mafioso

As an American of Sicilian descent (both sides), if I had a nickel for every time I was introduced to someone and their response was “oh, so is your family in the Mafia?”, I’d be a very wealthy man. I’m always reserved in responding with a simple but emphatic “ah, NO!” while at the same time wondering if people realized how truly insulting that is. It’s a stereotype that I detest and for obvious reasons. My family as did the overwhelming number of other Sicilian-Americans, worked hard and HONESTLY to become part of the American Dream. We hated the idea that some might think our success was ill-gotten.

Thanks to the plethora of Hollywood gangster movies, Organized Crime has been heavily romanticized. It can make for great entertainment, but it also gives people a perverse sense that these Mafia chieftains are men with a great sense of honor. This makes for great character development because it makes them real, i.e. they DO have honor but only within THEIR world. However, it’s also one that includes wanton violence against those who would stand against them. Remember the line in the film The Godfather, “I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse?” People loved it while forgetting it’s true meaning: sign or die, the ultimate “might makes right” mindset.

In other words, while appealing and even admirable to some for its clear, simple message, others see it for the abhorrent behavior it really is. They even have a term for a person who practices this type of negotiating tactic: THUG.

That’s what disturbs me so much about our current President, Vice President, and Administration. If you went to the encyclopedia and looked up the word, thug, I believe that you might find a photo of Mr. Trump next to the definition. With every Executive Action, policy statement, and negotiation he does so with the ethos of a Mafia Capo, i.e. “I told him either his signature or his brains would be on that contract” (another legendary line from The Godfather). This behavior was never more apparent than his recent disaster of a negotiation with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine. As we all know, President Zelensky has been a pillar of strength, guiding his Country through 3 bloody years of resistance to RUSSIA’S ILLEGAL INVASION. He traveled to the Oval Office in attempt to secure the U.S.’s support for their war efforts. It was rumored that a deal was in place that we would continue our support in exchange for a percentage of Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth.

Well, that’s when Trump’s and Vance’s diplomatic skills went on display for the entire world to see. They devolved into the THUGS we know them to be and with their best Mafioso negotiating technique, basically said to Zelensky, either your signature or your brains will be on this contract.

The shameful spectacle that followed was virtually universally condemned with MANY world leaders expressing their outrage at both how Zelensky was treated and the substance of the message, i.e. our way or the highway. Of course, among the mindless sycophants known as the GOP, Fox News, and his minions there was admiration for his tough negotiating skills and take-no-prisoner's approach. Nonsense. It’s the tactic of a bully who has no brains or vision.

There was a time when Making America Great Again meant leading the world on the path to freedom and equality for all Nations and People. We WERE the shining City on a Hill, a beacon of light and liberty to everyone throughout the world to see. And we were willing to fight for ourselves and all others who shared the same ideals.

And where are we now? I’m afraid that light is fading and will continue to do so as long as our Country is being run as a criminal enterprise. That doesn’t Make America Great Again. It just leaves us morally bankrupt.

WILL THEY COME FOR YOU?

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me-and there was no left to speak for me. Martin Niemoller

Please read it and then read it again. You've probably heard it before, but you need to keep hearing until you understand it! In light of the absurd actions of the current President and his entire Administration under the auspices of Elon Musk and his shadowy-at-best Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, it takes on whole new meaning for our generation.

I now personally know 3 families that have been directly affected by Musk's indefensible and draconian policy of reducing the Federal budget deficit by the wholesale firing of tens of thousands of innocent, dedicated Federal employees. Many of these people are doing work that is more than just import, it's essential. I will not use their names to protect their privacy, but I will share their stories.

The first example comes from one of my longest friends. He always loved the outdoors and crafted a highly successful career out of it playing important roles in the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior for 3 Presidential Administrations. One of his daughters followed in his footsteps. She went to one of the best schools in the Country to earn a degree in the profession and did the field work necessary to get the right experience. Eventually she became a supervisor of Rangers at one of our National Parks. In other words, she is an outstanding young woman who dedicated her life to preserve our Nation's greatest natural treasures and the people who enjoy them. Her only "crime" was caring deeply about her job. She was released for NO good reason.

The second comes from one of my Fordham graduate students. It seems her mom has worked as a supervisor for the National Institute of Health (NIH) for 20 years. She headed a team of 40 researchers who worked to keep Americans safe. After her team was cut to just 6 people and she was condescendingly asked to provide 5 job tasks she completed in the previous week, she had finally had enough. She left to an uncertain future. Imagine having to start all over again after such spent a long time in a place that you loved and dedicated your life to.

The third example may be the most tragic of all. Another long-time friend has an adult son with special needs. His son's disability is severe enough to require the specialized care that group homes provide for the most vulnerable among us. Well, with the proposed cuts in the NIH and beyond, he will lose that care with few, if any, options available to him and his family.

Then the so-called architect of the whole sordid affair, Elon Musk, had the gall, the extremely bad taste of making a joke of the whole thing by brandishing a diamond encrusted chainsaw at the opening of CPAC. And the crowd ROARED. They have no souls.

And the number grows daily.

My take-away is this: this is not about NUMBERS. It's about HUMAN BEINGS! These people are OUR brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, etc., etc., etc. Will you wait until they come for YOU? 

Searching of HOPE, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY

 A few days ago, as I was channel surfing (yes, I’m old-fashioned that way) I happened upon an NBC News special with Lester Holt reporting on Louisiana’s efforts to reform one of the most notorious prisons in America: Angola. Louisiana had a well-earned reputation for being “The Prison Capital of the US” by incarcerating more people (mostly black men) than any other State in the Country. However, as the report indicated, renewed efforts at prison reform by the State government were paying off. Although there was a long way to go, strides were being made and Louisiana’s number of incarcerated people dropped from #1 in the Country to #2.

Under the guidance of the State’s then Democratic Governor (2024), John Bell Edwards, Angola began to return to the importance of rehabilitation in addition to just punishment. It seems that the War on Crime which began during the Regan era, had a message that struck fear into the heart of Americans. It promised us safer communities by locking up dangerous criminals and basically throwing away the key. Damn rehabilitation. What we needed was punishment. Because this policy also including a component known as The War on Drugs and The 2 Strikes Clause, many offenders convicted of even minor drug offenses were given draconian sentences, including LIFE without parole and without any other legal recourse.

The problem is that according to the NBC report, it failed – miserably. Crime rates in fact rose in many areas. And the United Sates began imprisoning more people THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD (6^th in per capita).

The situation in Louisiana improved with the acknowledgement that it was the mindset that produced the so-called War on Crime that is the real culprit. The intention was mostly punitive and lacked two key human components, hope and compassion, dooming it to failure. It preyed on people’s fears rather than their hopes. When remedial programs were instituted at Angola, hope returned to many inmates and recidivism rates dropped dramatically. After a long battle waged in the State’s Supreme Court, inmates won the right to have certain life-without- parole sentences reviewed for possible Compassionate Release. A panel of 3 judges must unanimously agree that the very particular circumstance of each individual meets the true threshold of compassion. After the ruling, violence committed within the prison walls was also reduced. Besides, simply put, it’s just the right thing to do.

But what really made these successful? Well, because as humans we cannot live without hope and compassion – and DIGNITY. These concepts may be spiritual in nature and esoteric to some, but they form the core of what lies within in each of us. It only depends on whether we choose to connect with them on a deep level or not that makes the difference in the quality for ALL lives.

 

And this is what concerns me most about what’s happening to our Country under the burden of the dizzying number of Executive Orders being hurled at us by our current President and his administration. There are so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all much less make real sense of ANY of them. So, I won’t even try to with this post. Instead, I’d prefer to write about the spirit i.e. the true intention of them. In my mind, they lack the even the most basic human traits  I mentioned above and helped to create a society that imprisons more people than any other country on earth. That’s making America Great Again?

Beyond politics, what I see happening are actions that lack the core human emotions and principles necessary for a unified, sustainable, successful society. They are mean-spirited in nature and mostly void of hope, compassion and simple dignity, the 3 things as demonstrated by the Angola Prison model that made a difference, a positive one.

Among other orders that lack even the most common decency are:

·         Laying off tens of thousands of federal workers without real cause and due process is certainly not providing hope for the future of many Americans.

·         Denying the very existence of our brothers and sisters who have chosen to live their authentic selves has caused so many to live in fear.

·         Declaring that denying aid associated with the President’s dissolution of USAID which includes food to starving people lacks compassion is a gross understatement.

·         There is an effort to eliminate the very words we worked so hard to achieve - diversity, equity, and inclusion - from our very vocabulary. Mass deportations continue to spread fear and loathing through our immigrant communities.

·         Our European allies have been mostly abandoned and insulted.

And, with every word I write, this is more. Making America Great Again? Really?

Again, there are those who have and continue to support the President in these actions. There will always be those who lack the vision and strength to see beyond the hateful rhetoric and punitive measures. That is the way of the world. However, it doesn’t HAVE to be. I intend to use every legal means within my power to keep fighting for what is fair, right, and just. I know that I am not alone. It’s just a matter of how many will join us. Don’t lose your hope, compassion, and dignity. Only with them as our foundation can we, or SHOULD we, survive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today's Mozen: BEWARE FAUX NEWS

Frank LoBuono

When I first saw it, my jaw dropped. I was channel serving when I quickly noticed a banner across Sean Hannity's Fox News program. But first, let me make something perfectly clear. I am NOT a regular viewer of Fox News. In fact, because I find their so-called news programs full of inaccuracies, pointed exaggerations, and flat-out disinformation so egregious that I have dubbed it Faux News. Be that as it may, I will occasionally stop and watch for a minute or two just to see how outrageous their alternative facts might be for any given story.

The banner was highlighting the news that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was investigating CBS in support of President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit (that’s right $10 BILLION) claiming that CBS had selectively and deceptively edited a Kamal Harris answer during a "60 Minutes" interview while she was campaigning. In an unprecedented move and under FCC pressure, CBS released a longer, more complete answer that was used for another program. Hannity played both clips and went on to encourage viewers to see how they deliberately turned “word salad” (his words) into a coherent, more positive response.

Are you kidding me?

That college dropout, blowhard was trying to explain a process most people, including him, have little or no idea about?

Fortunately, I do know something about it.

You see, I spent over 40 years in the TV production/news business working in about every position that profession had to offer. During that time, I performed as a production assistant, a producer, reporter, writer, director, technician. editor, and more. I spent the last 20 years of my career working for the National Desk at CBS News in New York. I have been retired for the last few years but still maintain my press credentials and I teach a multi-media graduate level course at Fordham University, Lincoln Center. It's Editing 101! So, without false modesty, I know what the hell I’m talking about. And I know this:

1.  I watched both clips of the interview and there was NO so-called word salad. Both clips made perfect sense. One just happened to be a bit longer because it contained conversational words that aren’t necessary in the final interpretation.

2.     1. That’s what editing IS! EVERY interview, especially those involving National figures, is ALWAYS longer than the final EDITED version. Interviews of that nature can last a half hour or more. It is simply impossible to use the ENTIRE interview in a news piece that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 or 15 minutes in TOTAL!

3.     2. It’s the JOB of the producers and editors, who are HIGHLY TRAINED TO DO SO, to condense ALL of the information into a usable form while still preserving the SPIRIT of the message.

4.     3. CBS did an outstanding job in doing just that.

It’s a classic tactic that earned them the title Faux News. They parade the handsome Mr. Hannity before his adoring audience (I have witnessed them at LIVE events, and they are totally enamored) to make nonsense sound good. And, let me tell you, it IS nonsense. But if you choose to believe it, despite the expertise I offer you do counter him, than there is little I can do to convince you otherwise. But, be warned. This constant drumbeat of misinformation is another drop in what will soon become a torrent washing away ALL of the freedoms we supposedly hold so dear.

The way to resist is through vigilance and acquired knowledge. But we must WORK on it. Do not believe everything that you hear or read – at least until you have researched it further. Good, accurate information IS available - IF you make the effort to find it. Beware of cognitive dissonance. Do not start out simply looking to prove your point. Search for the truth and you will find it.

Today's MOZEN: WHO ARE WE??

 

 

Words and photos by F LoBuono

Dictionary.com defines ethos as: noun

1.    Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:

In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.

2.    the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.

It’s a word that, considering the state of our current government’s administration, should take on a particularly powerful meaning now. You see, as I predicted many years ago and continue the drumbeat to this very day, the Presidential election of 2024 would be – and IS – a referendum on what it means to be an American.

It’s time to take a good long look into our hearts and souls and answer that question. Let’s look beyond the realm of politics and delve into the moral. What ethos, i.e. fundamental character or spirit of a culture, do we want to represent the legacy of our era?

Despite his protestations, it has become clear that by his ACTIONS that President Donald J.Trump and his cronies are implementing the draconian principals laid out in the Project 2025 doctrine. EVERYONE should know that the ideals within that document will fundamentally change the very core of American policy both domestically and internationally.

But it’s more than just political change. It’s a moral issue too, as already seen in the flurry of Executive Orders issued by Mr. Trump, many of them indicating the implementation of Project 2025 doctrine; a world ruled by white, privileged men, and the uber wealthy. Those not willing to accept these standards will be shunned, cast out, or worse. And there are many other tenets that are equally morally reprehensible.

There are already many examples of these facts. Too many to list for any one article. But, for just one example, anything to do with the Federal Government’s attempt with providing a fair opportunity for ALL Americans to work and be included in the so-called American dream was cancelled when he dissolved DEI (The Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). And he did so with joy as if equity and inclusion were dirty words! He was even so petty as to have even any mention of the words erased from any Federal office or building. Then he doubled-down by blaming the horrific mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. on DEI hiring – with NO PROOF, as they were still recovering bodies from the Potomac! Of course, he was completely supported by the UNQUALIFIED lackies he appointed to key positions in his Cabinet.

Is this leadership? Hell no! It’s downright deplorable. A REAL leader would have offered strength through words and deeds of compassion to the families and the Nation.

And there is more. Too much more to describe them all. But let’s review just a few more examples.

In addition to the inexcusable act of pardoning the Jan.6^th traitors and criminals (1500 of them) he has taken his domination of America’s justice system to a new low by firing any inspector who might find malfeasance in any of his Administration, dismissing any prosecutors in the Department of Justice who had any involvement in the Jan. 6^th trials, and demanding the records of ANY agent who may have been involved in the investigation for possible further action.

This is unconscionable! He has once again put himself above the law and is getting away with it – again! Why? Because people continue to support him. But they can no longer in good conscience say, “don’t mind what he says. Look at what he does.” Well, I am looking and it’s disgusting.

There are SO many examples of this man’s attempt at bring us to, ah, yes, the dreaded word: fascism – dreaded AND real. Allow me to make one more point.

In another action, Mr. Trump basically dissolved the US Government’s program to assist those most in need in other countries known as USAID. By providing food and other life essentials to those struggling, it was our attempt to show that the United States not only has a big stick, but it can provide a healthy carrot too. When asked, one his newest lackies, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, summed up the new policy by basically saying (paraphrasing): it’s not about THEM. It’s about US.

No more carrots. Here’s the stick.

And there you have it folks, the new American ethos. But perhaps I’m wrong. Maybe we’ve always been that way. Afterall, over 77 million Americans voted for this man and his agenda. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why so many people would elect a man with so many serious character flaws. Was it because they saw their own faults in him and that made him relatable? But can they REALLY look at themselves in the mirror today and say, “I want to look like that – BE that?” Even Now?

The way things stand today if any Trump supporters were to actually read this, I find it highly unlikely that it would change any of their minds. But if my words can inspire even one person to stop this madness, spending the few hours to write this will have been worth it. You see, maybe I’m old fashioned, but I remember when Americans stood up for the little guy, the less fortunate, the underdog – because that’s what WE were, and I want us to be again. THAT’s our ethos. And either you believe in that, or you don’t. Act. Before it’s too late.

 

 

 

Today's MOZEN: The Bully-In-Chief

 

Words and photo F LoBuono

When I was a kid, right up through adolescence, I felt like I was bullied mercilessly. At least it was “merciless” in my own mind so that even after the passage of these many years, I still remember it. The lessons I learned then made me the person I am today. And one of those lessons was how to deal with a bully.

Unlike most of the men in my family who were my role models and were “robust”, I was thin. Painfully so. More accurate descriptions and the ones used most frequently were “skinny” and "scrawny".  And I hated it. However, despite my frail frame I was quick and athletic. Taking after my father and uncle, I played lots of sports, too. But I was so damned boney that despite by athletic skills, I never looked the part of the “buffed” athlete and suffered the indignity of being teased about it constantly. I also have a somewhat unusual sir name that the other kids would have a good time with trying to find ways to come up with insulting pseudonyms for.

Combine these things with growing up in a lower-middle class New Jersey neighborhood with lots of kids, and you get the perfect environment for the development for those who bully, those who allow them to flourish, and those who choose to fight back. I was a member of the last category.

I was taught very clearly by BOTH of my parents to live by a code that includes resisting anyone that violated the tenets of that code. They are as follows:

1.        Never BE the bully and walk away from a fight if you can. You’ll know when.

2.        Never allow ANYONE to put their hands on you without your permission.

3.        Never allow anyone to degrade you or your family with insults.

           "Words can never hurt me" to a point. You will know what it is.

4.        Never quit.

5.        Always stand for what is right and defend others weaker than yourself.

6.        Always fight ferociously when necessary.

7.        Always walk with your head held high. No one is better than you, or you them.

You see, I was never that tough, so I don’t think I won many – if any – of those fights against bullies. But, winning is not ultimately what’s most important. Resisting is.  It eventually became clear to bullies far and wide that if you violated any one of these principles, you’d have to deal with me. Even if you could beat the crap out of me, I’ll fight you today, tomorrow, the day after that, and so forth. They knew that. I don't know exactly why but, at some point, they didn't bother me so much any more. Perhaps it was simply because they got tired of beating me up. Whatever. One way or the other, I EARNED respect and they left me alone. I can’t speak to others, but it has always held true for me.

These principles have served me well for nearly 70 years and I will continue to apply them for as long as I live. And, under the current conditions and Administration, I’ll need them now more than ever. It’s become more obvious than ever that this County is being run by a bully.

The fact that Donald Trump is exposing himself as The Bully-in-Chief does not surprise me in the least. As a New Yorker, I have known that about Mr. Trump LONG before he expressed his political aspirations. That was obvious from the beginning of his public life and reinforced by his starring role in one of the ultimate bully-themed shows of them all, The Apprentice. Remember, he took great joy in someone losing their job by uttering the phrase, you’re fired! As President he has been no different, issuing draconian orders to implement his (and his cronies’) version of America.

What does surprise and disappoint me is the growing number of Americans who support this boorish behavior, especially when it comes to the issues of immigration, and particularly our Southern Border. Look, I get it! Trump campaigned and was elected promising to do exactly what he is doing now. And we must admit the fact that most Americans, including me, acknowledge a broken immigration system that is in desperate need of repair.

However, I, and many others, are NOT OK with how this is being done. Simply put, the entire process seems to have been conceived to create the maximum amount of cruelty in its execution. Because it is a MASS deportation, it’s like a huge fishing net that scoops up the intended catch while a whole bunch of other fish also get consumed in the process! Sure, arrest and deport the criminals that HAVE filtered into our communities. Good riddance. We SHOULD have been doing that all along. But to terrorize thousands of innocents to catch a few desperadoes is just plain wrong.  Besides, as is being revealed as this story unfolds, it will have a profound effect on our economy by removing essential workers from key industries.

To further his add to the misery, the President has also attempted to end the Constitutional Birthright clause granting anyone born here American citizenship, potentially devastating innocent children and their families. And just to make things extra nasty, Mr. Trump has now authorized Federal Immigration agents to conduct raids in churches and schools. Yes, that’s right, SCHOOLS. Yes, let's bring lots of men with combat gear and guns into our schools. JEEZ!!!

Some who read this will have absolutely no issue with how this is being done. All that is important to them is that it IS being done. But I counter with this; just because we can doesn’t mean that we should. It’s cruel and contrary to the very essence of what it means to be an American.

There MUST be a better way- and there IS – if we can change our mindset. Instead of spending $ millions and losing $ millions more on heartless measures, how about Congress getting off their butts and passing legislation that addresses this crisis and provides a real pathway to citizenship?

And there are many other things that are being implemented (and largely supported) that seem to have been chosen mostly for their cruelty. Another particularly egregious act was declaring that the US government will support only 2 birth genders, male and female. Mr. Trump went even further and signed an Executive Order mandating all Transgender people in Federal prisons be transferred to the facility assigned to their birth gender. Do people know what will happen to these folks? They are human beings, our brothers and sisters.

And, in a recent development, the President has issued an Executive Order banning transgender individuals from serving in any branch of the military. Hell, over 4,000 trans people are currently serving with honor and distinction.

The list of his mean-spirited and largely inane if not insane Executive Orders is too long to complete in this post.

Why does he do it? Because he CAN (if we let them!). That’s what BULLIES do!!

It comes down to our national ethos. WHO ARE WE? Are we represented by the Lady with The Lamp who lights the way to freedom and equality for all? Or are we so thoughtless, so callous as to be led by an overbearing, bloated, cruel, BULLY who seems to believe that he was elected king?

Resistance against this emerging menace, this tide of cruelty, takes enormous effort. I know it gets me down. And as more and more people fall prey to their more basic instincts, as prodded by The Bully in Chief, the more difficult it seems to Fight The Power. But we must. Otherwise, the bully wins and smiles that cheese-eating grin. I will not let that happen. Never did. Never will.  I can’t.

Let me leave you some of the greatest song lyrics ever created for some inspiration. The were written by Paul Simon for his song “The Boxer”:

In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade and he carries the reminders of ever glove that laid him down or cut him until he cried in his anger and his shame, I AM LEAVING, I AM LEAVING! But the fighter still remains.

Today's MOZEN: And So It Begins

 

And so, it begins.

Just a week away from the official transfer of power, the arrival of the era of Trumpism is now in high gear. The foundation of All That Was Promised is being laid. The future is being shaped by the very people the new President is choosing to help him run this Country. They are the harbingers of what is to come.

The common denominator for these people nominated by Mr. Trump to fill his Cabinet is unquestioning loyalty to the man and his doctrine. While some of those chosen may exhibit a certain level of qualification for the positions for which they have been nominated, others are woefully underqualified and were chosen by the President Elect sole for their fealty.

Let’s take the man chosen for one of the most important Cabinet positions of them all, Secretary of Defense, a position with enormous power and therefore responsibility, as just one example.

Pete Hegseth is a Special Forces trained combat veteran whose main claim to fame was his position as a Fox News weekend anchor. He also headed 2 failed veteran’s charities. Mr. Hegseth’s drinking habits are apparently also the stuff of legend. Despite his stellar service record, there is no other experience on his resume that would suggest an ability to manage the Governments largest department.

His recent Congressional confirmation hearing clearly demonstrated what we can expect not only from Hegseth but from the entire Trump Administration. Through his testimony we should prepare for the following: Toxic Masculinity where men run the show and women are relegated to supporting roles - Christianity is the National Religion - Torture of enemies is acceptable - Might Makes Right -  Complete fealty to the President is required. Those not willing to pledge will be purged. In other words, he (and the others) intends to implement the Project 2025 agenda.

What is equally disturbing to me is the fact that the Republican controlled House AND Senate are in virtual lockstep with Mr. Trump and his plans for our Country. There is a strong chance that Mr. Hegseth as well as other controversial nominees will be approved. Nothing can stop them now.

It’s not hyperbole to state that by voting for Mr. Trump as well as a GOP controlled Congress, this Country has clearly made its choice to fundamentally change what it means to be an American. It’s MAGA now and with it comes a new ethos, one with less compassion and equal justice under the law while increasing fear and loathing.

Many of my friends cry foul stating that they did not vote for Trump so he’s not “their” President. Well, unfortunately this is not the way things work here. The People have spoken. What they have said breaks my heart.

CHRISTMAS 2024

 ORIGNALLY PUBLISHED IN THE ROCKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

As I sit at my new laptop computer (a relatively inexpensive model that I purchased for myself as a guilty pleasure) in front of a warm, raging fire (gas, but still) on this early, cold, gray Christmas morning my favorite Christmas movie plays in the background. My partner Amanda is asleep as is my other constant companion, our cat, Tuxedo Joe (and Stella, too). So, I can be alone with my thoughts – and my new computer.

The movie is “A Christmas Story”, the 1983 classic based on the childhood memories of growing up in a Cleveland suburb by the humorist, Jean Shepherd. It’s one of my favorite films on so many levels. It is well acted with great chemistry between the principals. It also has a great story line and message. And the writing? Oh, the writing! It is witty, crisp, and endearing. Some of the lines have become legendary. Who remembers: “you’ll shoot your eye out kid” or “it must be Italian, f-r-a-g-i-l-e"?

Also, the ethos of it reminds me of my own childhood. Even though it takes place at a time slightly before my own, there are enough similarities to that family and how they interacted among themselves and within their community to remind me very much of my own life growing up in a suburb of New York City, Fort Lee, NJ. The mother and father in the movie could have been my own. And the main character, Ralphie, and his brother could have certainly been me and my younger brother, Joe.

But, perhaps, most importantly, the ultimate message is a true Christmas one; cherish life’s moments, all of them. In the end, it’s all we have.

There is a scene in the movie when the young narrator, Ralphie, is taken in by the beauty of a Christmas morning snow dusting outside his bedroom window, secure in the knowledge that he is safe and warm at home with people whom he loves and who love him. And he opines, “all's right with the world.” The Italians have a similar saying “a di la.”  It’s a feeling, often all too fleeting, that for that one, singular moment, you are secure in your own time, place, and skin. It could be sharing a family moment on a Christmas morning, an unexpected message from an old friend, or a warm kiss on a cold morning It’s whatever fills our hearts with a feeling of well-being. It’s relishing the simple joy of living fully.

Oh, how we wish we could make them last, even just for a moment longer. But we can’t. That’s why it’s so important to not only savor these moments, but to continue to actively create them. The days of huge family dinners with my mother, father, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins are long gone for me. That’s just the way my life turned out. But I refuse to dwell on the past. Treasure it? Yes. Regret its loss? Never. That’s why we need to continually make new moments to treasure, no matter how simple they may be - like a new computer, a roaring (gas) fire, a hot cup of coffee, a wonderful movie, and another Christmas to have lived.

Today's MOZEN: He Is NO Hero

 

It was right out of a Hollywood action/thriller Blockbuster. A top executive is coolly, efficiently, and brutally gunned down early in the morning in one of Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods and at one of its most frenetic times of the year – The Holiday Season. The killing is perpetrated by a hooded, masked assassin who then calmly disappears into the New York morning, audaciously using a rented Citibike in his getaway.

However, it was not a movie. The brazen and brutal murder of United Health Care CEO, Brian Thompson, as captured by security cameras, is both shocking and disturbing. It really shows a cold-blooded assassination of an innocent man. Yes, I said innocent. And there within begins the New-Age paradigm of guilt not by fact, but by insinuation, association, and inuendo.

In today’s era of mass media participation, i.e. the internet, the reaction to the killing was both swift and, in many ways, telling of how we function as a society. This man’s wanton murder was soon used to make an indictment of his character BECAUSE of his profession – the head of a major Health Care provider. Some even elevated the assassin to hero status.

Now, at this point, let me make something perfectly clear; I am NOT a fan of the Insurance Industry in general and in the Health Care part of it in particular. No matter what their ads says about how much they care about people, their PRIME motivation is PROFIT. The exorbitant salaries of the leaders of these companies (like Mr. Thompson) are a testament to their companies’ wealth. As a photographer covering some of the large insurance companies’ annual meetings, I can assure you that they are ALL about the profit margin.

And the idea that a company we pay monthly and who makes enormous profits would/could/does deny life saving health to its customers is abhorrent. Something certainly needs to be done about this.

However, MURDER is NOT one of them!

Many, and I mean millions of people, have at least condoned this murder if not actually celebrated it. And I understand their frustration and anger. Virtually all of us, and some more so than others, have been stung by our Health Care Provider making it difficult, if not impossible, to pay for the care we legitimately need. Certainly, some have lost loved ones by being denied critical care or lifesaving drugs simply because of money. I know some of these people personally. It’s heartbreaking, incorrigible, and indefensible. The very idea that innocent people die based on decisions made by executives solely to increase their already ample salaries  makes me viscerally sick.

 

However, we cannot fall into the trap of yielding to our anger so easily, even when we believe it to be righteous. It is simply immoral to wish wanton violence on another human being, especially one that you know nothing more of than he makes a lot of money in a less than popular business. Again, it’s easy to focus one’s rage on a single individual rather than try to topple an entire industry. But that only further debases us, putting us on the same level as the people we’ve come to loathe.

Most of use are familiar with the Biblical saying, “An eye for an eye,” etc. And it certainly appeals to our sense of righteous rage. But there is a newer, more apt rendering of the ancient quote. It is often most attributed to Mahatma Ghandi:

“An eye for an eye just leaves the whole world blind.”

It’s the Holiday Season – you know, the one about “being of good cheer, Peace on Earth, Good Will to All, etc.”  But instead of being so caught up with the blatant commercialism of it all, take a moment to remember the REAL reason for the season. Again, those who are familiar with my writing will know this is not an endorsement of one religious practice over another (yes, it’s OK to say Happy “Holidays” because there are so many to celebrate). For me, it’s another chance to be better, to do things more compassionately and to allow more light into my life. Celebrating the taking of the life of another human being to soothe your sense of divine justice is simply wrong. We can do better.

Thanksgiving 2024

It rained last night. A lot. And man, did we need it. It had been a record-setting Autumn; beautiful but painfully dry. In fact, I think describing the season as desiccated would not be hyperbole.

When I saw the weather forecast called for virtually a 100% chance of rain for some time around 2 am that night (morning), I knew that I just had to be awake to witness it. After so long without rain, I wanted to see it, hear it, smell it, and, yes, FEEL it.

So, as a befitting a man of my age and retirement status, I took a nap that evening to prepare myself for the task at hand. The nap was probably unnecessary as my bizarre sleeping habits normally have me up at ungodly hours on a regular basis anyway. Be that as it may, I forged my way through all the late-night talk shows (at least the monologues) and the plethora of exploitive programs that I dis-affectionately refer to as Train Wreck TV.

At approximately 2 a.m. I lowered the TV to see if the forecasters were right for a change and listened closely. And, sure enough, the magic began. I heard it first, on the roof. It was slow and steady but as I continued to listen, now in silence with the TV off, the intensity increased until it became a steady drumbeat, more and more forceful. It was like the increasing intensity of a celestial symphony.

Then, I needed to see the rain. So, I went to the front door and swung it wide open. I was greeted by a blast of WET, cool, fresh air! I could see it now; small rivers running down my street. And I could smell it too, that fresh odor like the rain was washing everything clean again. Then I stepped out of the doorway into the night. I threw my arms wide in the air and let the rain pelt my face. How wonderful! Now I could FEEL it.

After letting the rain wash over me for a few blissful minutes, it was time to step back out of the rain and into the reality that soon I would be in our little home, snuggling in my cushy bed, safe, warm, and secure.

As I sunk deep into the comfort of my bed and pillows, I reflected on how much I must be thankful for. Despite the many trials each of us face (some more so than others) it’s important to take the time to evaluate the good things that are around us, even the smallest things that we often take for granted – like the return of the rain.

As a Sicilian-American, we had huge Thanksgiving feasts combining the best of American and Sicilian culinary traditions at my grandmother’s in Brooklyn. I was surrounded not only by my immediate family but by aunts, uncles, and cousins, too.  And the food! It was magical.

But those days are gone. Long gone. Many at the table have moved on to live only in my memory. But that is beyond my control. What is not is to choose to be thankful for what I DO have. So, we will have a small gathering at our place and feast with my partner Amanda, her sister and her partner, and my sister. I am forever thankful for their love and their presence in my life.

Simple. And simple is good.

My wish is that all of you find the simple things that make your life worth living. It may be in a friend, a kind word given or received, a good meal, the presence of a loved one or their memory. It might be something as simple as listening to the life-giving rain. You will find it if you try.