Mixed Emotions

For those of you that may have missed it, Fairfield has a new First Selectman. Democrat Bill Gerber was sworn into office last night, having defeated incumbent Republican Brenda Kupchick by just thirty-seven votes (1). 

I suppose the Democrats are hailing this as a major victory, as well they should. To this, I find myself feeling quite conflicted. 

On the one hand, I am very sorry that I couldn't do anything to help the Republicans. I am acutely aware that my volunteer efforts could have swung some votes to their candidates' favor, and made a difference in that respect.

Nevertheless, on that subject, respect is what my inactivity was all about. 

Personally speaking, the climate that top party officials fostered this year was abundant with disrespect, as well as a general "we can't do anything" attitude. This made the donation of my time and efforts impossible; at least, that's the way I see it.

In any event, and at the risk of sounding "holier-than-thou", I think there's a valuable lesson to be learned from what has just occurred. It is this: sometimes, it's wise to consider the possible repercussions of one's actions or inactions.

Experience has taught me that everything you do comes back to you, whether for good or bad. It's karma; "you reap what you sow". If you treat people with disregard and disrespect, don't be surprised if they want nothing to do with you.

Now, I don't claim to be the world's wisest man; I'm not a guru or a sage. And I would've preferred not to be the teacher, so to speak, of this lesson. 

Notwithstanding this, life's nature is that on occasion, we all have to do things that we don't really want to do. I guess this was one of these non-preferable occasions.

That said, let me address another issue, prefacing it by saying that I apologize if my assessment is incorrect.

This is just an observation, but could it be that I'm getting a little behind-the-back trash talk from personal friends within the town Republicans? As of late, they have been giving me the silent treatment, or so it seems. I understand this, but being as respect is the name of the game, perhaps they should reconsider their attitude.

My final thoughts on this year's races are, again, filled with mixed emotions. 

Obviously, a changing of the guard has taken place in Fairfield. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I see this moment as a sort of refresh; a chance to hit the reset button. Perhaps the incoming administration will bring with it a new willingness for dialogue, and a show of mutual respect; that is my hope.

Yet, even with these hopeful feelings, I must quote David Byrne and the Talking Heads:

"...and you may say to yourself, 'my God, what have I done?" (2)

Controversy In College Football: My Opinion

The latest news in the wild world of sports comes out of the state of Michigan, where the University of Michigan's football team has been accused of cheating. 

An official investigation into this matter is now underway, seemingly prompted by the University of Central Michigan. Their own football team claims that earlier this season, a man resembling former Michigan assistant Connor Stalions was on their sidelines (assumedly engaged in scouting operations, and in violation of NCAA rules) (1).

For their part, the Big Ten Conference has come down hard on the Wolverines, suspending coach Jim Harbaugh (due to "ample evidence" against the program). Nevertheless, even with this suspension, some say the NCAA has not gone far enough (2). 

On Monday morning, the crew from the ESPN show "Get Up" tackled the situation, and the question of whether Michigan should be allowed to participate in the College Football Playoff. 

My take on the subject is contrary to the opinion of reporter Stephen A. Smith, who said this:

"This is about the fact that (Michigan) allegedly...according to the Big Ten...acquired an unfair advantage. Why are you being allowed in if it comes down to that?" (3)

First off, let's understand the key word in the phrase, which is "allegedly". It is alleged, perhaps reasonably, that cheating and violations have taken place. 

Nevertheless, these are allegations, not conclusively proven actions. 

Appearances can be deceiving, and just because someone bought tickets to a lot of games, that in itself isn't enough to substantiate certain charges. The presumption of "innocent until proven guilty" applies here, as it indeed should. 

On a second point, Smith makes the point that, if Michigan is allowed to play, other teams will "miss out" on opportunities:

"What about the kids at Texas? What about the kids at Alabama? Somebody is going to miss out, in favor of those kids that play at Michigan".

In case Mr. Smith didn't notice, Michigan is 10-0; the Wolverines are unquestionably one of the top teams in major college football. As such, they should have a chance to play for a championship; this shouldn't be denied on the basis of as of yet unproven claims (4). 

I don't think this idea is too complicated, or difficult to understand. Winners get championship opportunities; others don't.

And until the case against Michigan is definitively proven, the Wolverines should get their title shot. 

Israel, War, And "Resistance"

Recently, we have seen the Middle East once again ignite with the fires of war, as the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched an unprovoked invasion of Israel (1).    

Let's make one thing abundantly clear; it sickens me to see and hear reports of beheadings, murder, and the outright slaughter of innocent Israelis. War is hell (or so they say), and anyone worth his or her salt should be disgusted by it. 

Even so, the horrific actions of Hamas take evil to another level. 

Hamas' sympathizers, of which there are many, try to justify this hell by calling it "resistance, by any means necessary".  However, they completely miss the mark; what Hamas and their allies have been doing is not "resistance".  Rather, it is genocide.

Allow me to further explain this for those who may not be aware. 

Those supporting Hamas need to understand that their so-called "resistance forces" are brazenly (see definitions) committing war crimes, with no regard for human lives other than that of Arabs. Unfortunately, this is nothing new; it has been going on for over seventy-five years (2). 

Although there have been lulls in this conflict, most notably during the 1990s, it has become evident that Palestinians have no interest in peace. Instead, they seek the total destruction of Israel, and the eventual establishment of a homeland for Arabs and only Arabs (as opposed to a homeland for both Jews and Arabs). 

Most observers have realized that in this regard, the Palestinians would someday launch a decapitation-style attack (see definitions), meant to "wipe (Israel) off the face of the earth". The one thing that remained unpredictable was on what day they would ultimately make their move. 

We now know that day to have been October 7, 2023. 

As for the charge of genocide, the Oxford Language Dictionary defines the term as follows:

"The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation, with the aim of destroying that nation or group" (3). 

The Nazis committed acts of genocide.  Hamas is committing acts of genocide. 

There are some people who, faced with the spectre of unspeakable horror, would rather be silent than speak to condemn it. I have never been one of these people; I believe that silence in such a case is equal to approval of the evil occurring. 

So when it comes to the current conflict, I totally and unequivocally (see definitions) stand with the State of Israel. 

And what of this idea of peace?

We'd all like to see a lasting peace; at least those of us worthy of mention would.  Be that as it may, I must refer to two quotes by Golda Meir, the former Prime Minister of Israel. 

First, "you cannot negotiate peace with someone who has come to kill you". Like most things, peace is a two-way street. If the other side is not interested in pursuing it, peace cannot and will not be had (4). 

Second, "peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us" (5).

Far be it for me to suggest that the Palestinians do not love their children. However, perhaps they do not love their children quite enough. If they did, they likely would not strap explosives to the bodies of their kids, and frequently use them as suicide bombers, which is an exercise in futility (see definitions) in any case.

And tell me, other than possible religious martyrdom, what is gained by the intentional destruction of a human life? That is a question that both Arabs and Jews must ponder, and answer for themselves. 

I pray that such an answer will someday bring peace.