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Bernard Starr, PhD, is a psychologist, journalist, and professor emeritus at CUNY, Brooklyn College. His screenplay "The Crucifixion of Truth," a drama set in 16th century Italy and Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, has been optioned for a feature film or TV series by Atlantic and Pacific Studios. His latest book is Jesus, Jews, and Anti-Semitism in Art. Starr's doctoral dissertation was on the authoritarian personality, His mentor was Dr. Bernard Kutner, one of the leading authorities on the authoritarian personality.
At Brooklyn College Starr taught developmental psychology to prospective teachers and research methods and statistics in a graduate program that he directed. He is also the lead author of a lifespan textbook, "Human Development and Behavior: Psychology in Nursing." Starr is the founder, and for twenty-five years, the managing editor of the cutting edge Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics published by Springer; also editor of the Springer Publishing Co. series Adulthood and Aging and Lifestyle and Issues in Aging. For several years he wrote for the Scripps Howard News Service on healthcare, the boomers, and issues of an aging society. And for seven years he was writer, producer, and host of an award-winning radio commentary, The Longevity Report, on WEVD-AM Radio in NYC. His book, The Starr-Weiner Report On Sex and Sexuality in the Mature years (co-authored with Dr. Marcella Bakur Weiner) provided the first comprehensive data on sexual activity after age 60. He is a past president of the Brooklyn Psychological Association and a past president of the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy. He is also the main United Nations representative for the Institute of Global Education (IGE), an NGO with ECOSOC status.
Starr currently produces and hosts television documentaries on meaningful, active and productive living in the third age of life (Active Aging Stories) for Phoenix Rising Television Productions. He is also the author of "Jesus Uncensored: Restoring the Authentic Jew," and is the organizer of the art exhibit "Putting Judaism Back in the Picture: Toward Healing the Christian/Jewish Divide."
Currently, his articles are published at OpEdNews. He has also published on the Huffington Post contributor platform, Salon, Baron's Financial Magazine, the Algemeiner, and the New York Daily News. His earlier book, "Escape Your Own Prison: Why We Need Spirituality and Psychology to be Truly Free," published by Rowman and Littlefield, explores spirituality as a psychology of consciousness.
(19 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 7, 2012 Corporations Plan for Post-Middle-Class America
Corporate planning for the "hourglass" economy is confirmation that the middle class is no longer a significant segment of American Society--and is likely to fade even more. The hourglass strategy develops and markets products to the remaining largest consumer groups--the upper class elite and the bottom poor. At the same time, politicians ingenuously pretend to champion the middle class and fight for their interests.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Mind Control: How Donald Trump Has Transformed Americans into Pavlov's Dogs
Donald Trump has inadvertently harnessed powerful behavioral principles to normalize pathological behaviors that in previous eras would have disqualified him for public office. Primarily through the application of "systematic prolonged desensitization" he has achieved mind control of millions of Americans. But brainwashing can be disrupted.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 17, 2018 How Congress Became a 'Cathouse' of Prostitutes Paying Off Their Pimps
Members of Congress are beholden to lobbyists and other donors who finance their election campaigns and other projects.Thus they will often vote the demands of their benefactors rather than their beliefs or conscience making them like prostitutes who work for their pimps. Without campaign finance reform Congress will continue to be a cathouse.
(16 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 5, 2011 The Pandemic Disease of the 21st Century Is on the Rise
The pandemic disease of the 21st century is geting out of control. Posterior alimentary canal syndrome (PACS)fueled by solipsism--the belief that only you exist-- is eroding the foundation of a civil society.
(17 comments) SHARE Friday, August 9, 2013 Reza Aslan: Why Aren't You a Jew?
Born Muslim Reza Aslan embraced Christianity as a teenager. Later in studying Christianity in college he lost faith in the divinity of Jesus but continued to embrace him as a mortal--and called himself a disciple of the Jewish Jesus. His words beg the question: Why aren't you a Jew?
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, January 17, 2014 Why Have Art Historians Been Silent About the Falsification of Biblical History in Artworks?
Art depictions of Jesus his family and disciples omit their Jewish origins and identities.These falsifications of biblical history have significantly contributed to the historic rift between Christianity and Judaism that is just recently in the process of reconciliation.A new art exhibit will offer renditions of classical Medieval and Renaissance artworks that restore the Jewish connection to tell two sides of the Jesus story.
(12 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 19, 2014 Response to Bill O'Reilly: Jesus Didn't Start a New Religion
Bill O'Reilly insists that Jesus defected from Judaism and started a new religion.Yet according to the consensus of biblical scholars and theologians, both Christian and Jewish, Jesus was a dedicated practicing Jew throughout his life.Based on his view, O'Reilly
dismisses my critique of Renaissance artworks which picture Jesus as totally christian without a trace of his Jewish heritage.
(24 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 5, 2013 The Apostle Paul Lived and Died as a Dedicated Jew
While many scholars acknowledge that Jesus was a dedicated Jew till the end of his mortal life, it is widely believed that the Apostle Paul launched a new religion called Christianity. However, if Paul had simply stated to the Romans that he is not a Jew anymore but a leader of a new religion he would not have been arrested or executed. The evidence for this is right in "Acts of the Apostles"
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Why Christians Were Denied Access to Their Bible for 1,000 Years
Not only did the Church sequester the Latin Bible from the Christian populace for a thousand years, it forbid translating the New Testament into native languages. Robert Tyndale who defied the Church and translated the Bible into English was burned at the stake for his "heresy." Why would the Church distance the Christian populace from direct contact with their holy scriptures? This article proposes a surprising motive.
(18 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Will the Real Jesus Please Step Forward: Many Stories, Few Facts
The scant facts about Jesus and the gaping gaps in his biography have invited imaginative inventions. Nevertheless, narratives along with controversial alternative Gospels that have been uncovered have had little impact on the beliefs of Christians. The Church sanctioned twenty-seven books of the New Testament have had almost exclusive impact in shaping the views of Christians about Jesus, Christianity, Jews and Judaism.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, December 30, 2019 An Open Letter to Donald Trump's Congressional Sycophants on the Sad Fate that Awaits You When His Presidency Ends
Donald Trump remains president only because of the solid backing of Republican sycophants in Congress who enable his destructive policies and behavior. If they fully grasped their likely fate after the Trump presidency ends, they would be horrified and might rethink their knee-jerk allegiance--and realize that short-term gain will bring long- term shame.
(49 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Christian or Jewish Gospel Figures? The Answer Will Surprise You
Renaissance art erased Jesus Jewish heritage and identity. The book "Gospel Figures in Art" exemplifies this identity theft with over 300 images that convert Jesus,his family,and followers into later era Christians without a hint of any Jewish connection for these figures, who,in fact, were all dedicated practicing Jews. This article calls on the art world to finally redress the falsification of biblical history in artworks.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 25, 2013 Surprising Secrets for a Long Life Revealed
Individuals who have achieved long lives often attribute their longevity to odd dietary habits that would probably not work for most of us. But there is one proven factor that trumps all others for longevity
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 27, 2012 Legal Issues in Self-Publishing: What Authors Need to Know
As the publisher, self-published authors take on legal responsibility for their works. This article, a q and a with a leading intellectual rights attorney, addresses the key legal issues that authors should pay attention to
(8 comments) SHARE Friday, February 5, 2016 Bernie Sanders' Healthcare for all and free College: Idealism or Practical Realism?
Opponents of single payer healthcare for all and free college tuition have dismissed these programs as idealistic and too costly. The fact that both programs exist throughout the world--even in developing nations-- gives lie to the critics
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 12, 2014 Movie Review: The Railway Man Starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman Will Take You on an Unforgettable Trip
Based on the true story of Eric Lomax, a British officer who, along with other prisoners of the Japanese during world war II, worked as a slave laborer forced to help build the "death railway" from Thailand to Burma. The unspeakable torture inflicted on Lomax has lasting and crippling effects after liberation. His eventual remarkable transcendence of his inner torment is an inspirational message about the path of redemption.
(14 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 10, 2017 The New Democratic Party Strategy: 'Dumb and Dumber'
Democrats have demonstrated that they don't know how to fight and are unable to learn. The campaign mantra of "when they go low we go high" cost Democrats the election. And they are doing it again in seeking a mythical high ground by persuading Al Franken to resign. What Democrats are adept at is playing into the con man's play book.
(12 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 28, 2014 Our Oceans Are Dying: Mobilizing an Indifferent Public to Confront This Crisis
Another devastating report about the destruction of our environment and planet. Despite warnings from a consensus of leading scientists that we are approaching the point of no return, the public remains indifferent while placing immediate personal concerns first. Rather than new studies and more bad news we need behavioral scientists to study and discover how to get the public to make saving the planet our number one priority
(14 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 10, 2013 Are We on the Verge of an Interspiritual Age?
Kurt Johnson and Robert Ord believe that a transformation of conciousness is underway on the planet that will usher in an "Interspiritual Age"---despite rampant violence throughout the world and other destructive forces at work that are reported daily. They present some persuasive evidence to support their view.
(5 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 22, 2012 Jesus Married? Not Surprising For a Dedicated Jew
A newly discovered papyrus suggests that Jesus had a wife. Although it's authenticity is being examined there are other alternative gospels that have indicated that Jesus had a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene and that they were possibly married.
(30 comments) SHARE Friday, December 13, 2013 Jewish Jesus, 'Christ Killers,' and the Hidden Code of Hatred
The charge that Jews were collectively responsible for the death of Jesus resurfaced recently in a Harvard University student newsletter. A careful examination of the Gospels' account of the crucifixion reveals that the persistence of this accusation charging the Jews is a code for hatred that has many historical roots that contributed to the alienation of Christianity and Judaism, including artworks.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 14, 2017 On the Verge of Immortality, Or Are We Stuck with Death? A New Direction For Research Could Provide the Answers-and More
According to eminent biologist Leonard Hayflick the current research approach to age associated diseases like Alzheimer's is flawed. The focus on cures has not told us anything about why cells age. Hayflick points to a different direction for research that could unravel the mysteries of aging and lead to cures for all age associated diseases.
(24 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Now is the Moment to Get Trump's Congressional Sycophants to Flip. Here's How.
If Democrats can learn to fight, now is the time for them to go on the offensive to get congressional sycophants to flip. As Trump's reckless behavior worsens, Republicans are beginning to worry that far from Donald Trump helping them with re-election they may go down with a hopelessly sinking ship.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, June 24, 2013 'Christ Killers': The Hidden Agenda
In it's effort to launch a new religion, the Christian leadership created a false divide that historically drove Christians and Jews apart. By denying the Christian populace access to their Bible for many centuries Christians were unable to learn who Jesus really was: a dedicated practicing Jew. This understanding can foster reconciliation between the two faiths and a celebration of common ground.
(7 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 30, 2017 The Fake Society That Gave Us a Fake President
Donald Trump's election victory was no accident, nor was it primarily engineered by him and his team. He is the beneficiary of a fake society that has been germinating for decades and has now burst into full bloom.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 13, 2018 The Ma and Pa 'Business Empire' of Donald Trump
Donald Trump brought to the White House the Ma and Pa model that runs his business enterprises.The application of this model for conducting the government of the United States explains much of the chaos and failures of Donald Trump's administration.
(34 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 6, 2021 If Republicans Go Full Fascist the Military Will Determine the Outcome
There has been much commentary-and fear-that Republicans will stage a coup if a Democrat wins the 2024 election for president. Recent actions by Republicans give credibility to that possibility. While General Mark Milley has expressed the traditional hands-off policy of the military in political disputes, if there is an actual coup attempt the military will determine the outcome.
(18 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 3, 2015 A Psychologist Replays the Trials of Jesus and Paul, and Uncovers Surprising Revelations
It's widely believed that either Jesus, Paul,or both defected from Judaism and launched a new religion called Christianity. In revisiting the trials of Jesus and Paul with a role playing technique commonly used by psychologists, startling revelations emerge casting light on the origins of Christianity and at the same time raising an intriguing question.
(19 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 24, 2016 Who Founded Christianity? Some Say Jesus; Some Say Paul. What If Neither Did? The Answer Will Surprise You
The question who founded Christianity presumes that it had a founder. Since Jesus and Paul are the prime, if not exclusive, candidates, scholars cherry pick incidents from their lives and teachings, while ignoring contradictions, to support their pick. But it may be that neither Jesus nor Paul officially launched Christianity. How Christianity came about will surprise you.
(21 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 16, 2015 "Dumb and Dumber": An American Political Trademark?
Frightening ignorance among many candidates seems to dominate the American political landscape. Some candidates seem to be mired down in beliefs and ideologies that resist facts and reason. The current political scene reflects what the constitution allows: that anyone can be president if he or she is 35 or older born in the U.S.and a resident for 14 years.Will we demand more to combat dumb and dumber?
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 3, 2017 Alice of 'Alice's Restaurant' Is Back in Town
The 50th anniversary celebration of Arlo GUthrie's song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree", which inspired the film "Alice's Restaurant, dramatizes the explosive era of the 1960's. In a 2017 interview with ALice Brock, she reminiscesd and drew comparaisons between "then" and "now"
(13 comments) SHARE Friday, March 1, 2013 Jesus of Nazareth, Bill O'Reilly and the Brutal Romans
BIll O'Reilly, in a new forthcoming book,"Killing Jesus" will be weighing in on the Jesus "whodunit" with "new" findings pointing the j'accuse finger at the Romans.
(20 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 30, 2018 Church or Synagogue: Which Would Jesus Choose?
When confronted with two adjoining buildings, a church and a synagogue, which one would Jesus be drawn to enter? That's the intriguing question posed by artist Israel Tsvagenbaum's painting, "Crossroads." After reflection on the interiors of these buildings in the context of Jesus' identity, the answer is obvious
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 27, 2011 Sub-Prime Mortgages and Harry the Snake
As sub-prime mortgages continue to plague the economy the banks and lenders are in denial. They shamefully blame homebuyers rather than the greed and deceptions that led legions of buyers to default and foreclosure.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, March 13, 2020 Call for a 'Manhattan Project' against Epidemic Disease
We have had several warnings--Sars, Ebola, Zika--of the possible emergence of a devastating virus that can't be stopped. Yet, after each time we miraculously dodged a lethal bullet we slipped into slumber. It's time to change that with an all-out war on viruses with an operation modeled after the Manhattan Project.
(15 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 15, 2014 Bill O'Reilly's 'Killing Jesus' Illustrates the Problem With the Gospels
Bill O'Reilly's Tea Party spin the on Gospels reminds us that others throughout history did the same, especially during per-printing press centuries when reproductions of the bible were done individually by scribes. Not only were there errors in these reproductions, but scribes may have altered the "words of God" to suit their own beliefs and ideologies--just as Bill O'Reilly has done in "Killing Jesus."
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 22, 2017 Thomas Jefferson: Christian or Jew?
Jefferson's edited version of the Gospels in the New Testament gives the answer to the question: Christian or Jew? The sections that he eliminated are the very ones that set Christianity apart from Judaism, according to a consensus of leading biblical scholars.
(8 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 6, 2020 After Destroying Statues of Washington and Jefferson, and Closing the Show Hamilton, Should We Burn the Bible?
We don't want offensive statues staring at us in our daily lives.But history has never looked kindly on demolishing, hiding, or erasing history. And our celebration today of slave-produced monuments around the world poses a disturbing dilemma. Why not leave some statues and erect alongside each another statue. In my example, the slave and her story devastatingly shatters the inhumane ideology of the figure next to her.
(13 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 4, 2015 Picturing the Jewish Jesus: Bill O'Reilly and the National Geographic Channel Get It Right.
In the Film "Killing Jesus," adapted from Bill O'Reilly's book "Killing Jesus," the images are in sharp contrast to previous film depictions of Jesus, and other Jews. In the dramatization these figures are pictured as dark skinned Semites, typical of the Middle East region. They are also steeped in Judaism-- in tune with who they really were.The film expresses the two sides of the Jesus story: Jewish and Christian.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 9, 2019 The Trump Chorus Line: Parodies on an American Tragedy
Four parodies on the Trump and Company administration: Donald Trump on filling and not filling domestic and international positions in the government; Donald Trump in conversation with Adolf Hitler; The indictment and arrest of President Donald Trump; Donald Trump and his sycophants after the presidency.
(23 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 13, 2013 Taking the Jew Out of Jesus---and Putting It Back
Classical artworks picture Jesus, his family and followers as latter-day Christians. In erasing Jesus' Jewish identity these representations fostered anti-Semitism by feeding the belief that Jesus and Jews were of different ethnicities and religions. TO correct this falsification of biblical history this article proposes a contest and exhibit in which Jesus' Jewish identity would be restored.
(6 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 8, 2016 What Would Jesus Say About Distortions of His Teachings?
Throughout history religious leaders have distorted the teachings of the founders. Since historically illiteracy was rampant, populaces only knew what religious leaders told them--and often these teachings were the opposite of the true teachings. Even today various forms of illiteracy persist, enabling pundits to twist religious doctrines to conform to their ideologies, not the founders'.
(5 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 23, 2017 What happened to Donald Trump's Promise: 'I'll Release My Taxes After the Audit?'
In not demanding that Donald Trump release his tax returns--an unprecedented refusal by a president--Trumps sycophants have set a new low for deplorable behavior--especially in view of the overwhelming evidence of trumps highly suspicious deals with and debts to Russian oligarchs connected to Vladimir Putin.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, August 13, 2018 How Fake News Launched the Persecution of Jews for Two Thousand Years
A series of fake news releases dating to the beginning of Christianity set the stage for atrocities against Jews spanning two thousand years. Then, the omission of Jesus Jewish heritage and identity in Mediaeval and Renaissance era artworks supported anti-Semitism by hijacking Jesus from Judaism and establishing him as exclusively Christion with no connection to Judaism--lethal fake news with no free press to correct it.
(11 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 31, 2011 Two Cultures, Two Genocides, One Story
David Gewirtzman and Jacqueline Murekatete were victims of holocausts that were fity years apart on two different continents. Yet their stories merge into one. Their powerful jolting joint presentations to audiences of all ages beings the horror of their genocidal experiences to life and cry out for an end to the gross inhumanities driven by hatred and intolerance.
(9 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 15, 2011 The Right to Bear Arms for National Defense. Wrong!
The right to bear arms made sense in 18th century America but not today. Unlike during the American Revolution, guns in indivial hands today would not serve our national defense. The article asks: What would the Founding Fathers propose for 21st century America?
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 7, 2016 'Going Trump': A New Term For Over-The-Top Lying
The volume of lies told by Donald Trump durng the presidential campaign--and continues in the post electon period--has been documented by factcheckers. These lies are dangerous. They undermine democracy and the constitution.Thus the need for a new term to capture this new brand of lying. Call it "Going Trump.
(9 comments) SHARE Friday, June 26, 2020 Trump's Tulsa Rally Was Not a Failure. It Was a Big Success and Democrats Should Be Worried
Democrats and media pundits ridiculed the low turnout at Trump's rally in Tulsa Oklahoma--his first on-site rally since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the U.S. But it's no laughing matter. The ones who came despite dire health warnings from medical experts are fierce loyalists. And the ones who didn't show are not switching teams. So why the ridicule and celebration?
(51 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 28, 2016 Understanding The Second Amendment: Why Yesterday's Rights About Guns And Militias Don't Make Sense Today
The historical context of the second Amendment reveals why the post revolutionary war Congress voted for an armed militia. With no standing military after the Continental Army was disbanded following the revolution, the fledgling United States was dependent on State militias for national defense against potential foreign enemies at all its borders.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, May 28, 2018 A Better Way for Athletes to Protest That Will Bring Cheers, Not Smears
There is a more effective way for athletes to protest oppression of African Americans and other assaults on democracy under the Trump administration--a way that would defuse the charge of anti-Americanism by embracing "my America" of social justice and democracy and rejecting "their America" which is tearing down the principles established by the founders of our republic that have made America great.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Hunter Biden Was Highly Qualified for the Burisma Board: Attacks on Him Are a Diversionary Cover-Up Tactic
In a tactic to divert attention from Donald Trump's blatant impeachable offense of attempting to enlist a foreign government to get dirt on his political opponent Joe Biden, his attorneys have brought irrelevant and false accusations against Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden's credentials obliterate the accusations.
(31 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 21, 2013 God Killed Jesus: That's What the Gospels Say
For centuries Jews were persecuted for the crucifixion of Jesus with the charge: "Christ Killers". Yet the Gospels and other parts o the New Testament definitively tell us that God Killed Jesus as part of a divine plan. Accusing any other for the death of Jesus should be considered blasphemy against the very foundation of Christianity.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 18, 2012 George Stoney: A Life in Film
Famed documentary film maker George Stony died on July 12th at age 96. George was a towering figure in documentary film making over the past sixty-plus years. His focus on the downtrodden and oppressed in society was unique. George Stoney's inspiration will live on through the thousands of students he mentored at the New York University Film School. In this interview George revealed the many facets of his long productive life
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 21, 2019 Ancient and Medieval Walls Only Worked if They Were Backed by Lethal Force. Is That Donald Trump's Plan?
Historically, walls alone have been ineffective and could be breached by crude technologies. Against 21st century technologies the medieval type wall sought by Donald Trump is flat out silly. Walls that have appeared effective did so because they were backed by a powerful military prepared to use lethal force. It will be sad day if America unleashes lethal force against caravans migrants seeking asylum from violence
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 15, 2014 Two Crises Cry Out for a 'Manhattan Project': Climate Change and Ebola
We are currently facing two crises that threaten life on this planet. The business as usual model, leaving it to the competitive for-profit marketplace to address these crises is not the most effective approach. We have already seen the failure of this model for the Aids and climate change crises, despite decades of huge expenditures. We must adopt the proven cooperative Manhattan Project model if we value life over ideology.
(24 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 19, 2013 Jesus 'Used to Be Jewish'? That's Not What the Gospels Say
Jesus lived and died a dedicated Jew. He had no intention of starting a new religion. Yet the belief persists that he was an apostate Jew who launched Christianity. A full appreciation of Jesus' Jewish identity could help heal the Jewish Christian divide.
(9 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 20, 2013 Rembrandt, Jews and Jesus: Putting Judaism Back in the Picture
Rembrandt's natural realistic religion neutral images of Jesus are not an antidote to Renaissance paintings that commonly pictured Jesus,his family and community as blond fair-skinned Northern Europeans residing in palatial settings surrounded by saints,church officials and Christian artifacts-and not hint of a Jewish connection.That's why I've invited artists to repaint classical artworks that put Judaism back in the picture.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 13, 2011 Diego Rivera Occupies MOMA
Although Diego Rivera's Murals were created over eighty years ago they are seamlessly contemporary. They speak with equal power to the struggles of today's disenfranchised workers, the poor and oppressed peoples everywhere. Diego Rivera's murals resonate with OWS.
(9 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Should the Swastika be Rehabilitated or Forever Damned? A Surprising Debate
The swastika is an ancient symbol that is revered in a number of cultures. The Nazis tarnished the swastika by adopting it thus making it in the eyes of many around the world a symbol of murder and genocide. Can it be redeemed? The intensity of revulsion to the swastika suggests that that it has a difficult if not impossible road to redemption.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 6, 2014 Authentic and False Images of Jesus in Artworks
The triptych, with its altered images that puts Judaism back in the picture, exposes the identity theft of Jesus in artworks. It starkly illustrates the falsification of biblical history in Jan Swart Van Groningen's original iconic sixteenth-century image of Jesus. Moreover, the same falsification would be dramatically revealed if altered images of other Renaissance paintings were placed next to the original ones.
(11 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Romney and Santorum Envision a Caste System for America
Despite their quest for working class and blue collar credentials both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are out of touch with main stream Americans. Romney is not concerned with the poor and Santorum tells young people that its jut fine if they don't seek higher education. These views are a formula for promoting a permanent caste of the poor.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 7, 2013 The Ethnic Cleansing of Judaism in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Medieval and Renaissance art transformed dedicated Jews--Jesus, his family and followers--into latter-day Christians without a hint of their Jewish identities. In effect, these artworks vaporized any association between Jesus and Judaism. In doing so they established a powerful platform for anti-Semitism through the illusion that Jesus and Jews were of different ethnicity and different religions.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, November 9, 2015 The Holocaust: A Homework Assignment for Ben Carson
Ben Carson has repeatedly stated his incredulous belief that if Hitler's Nazi government had allowed Jews to own guns they could have stopped or greatly diminished the Holocaust. Not only does Carson's deeply flawed view show ignorance of the Nazi savagery and the pervasive anti-Semitism in German society and throughout Europe, it dishonors the Jewish men and women Partisans who fought courageously against the Nazis.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 1, 2019 Are Most Workers Satisfied With Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance? A Flawed Study Says Yes. Let's Take a Look
A flawed study sponsored by an advocacy organization for the insurance industry claims that 71 percent of workers are satisfied with their employer-sponsored health plans. Although the survey doesn't meet scientific standards for reporting findings it has been used as one of the main arguments against Medicare for All.
(14 comments) SHARE Friday, August 15, 2014 Jewish Jesus and Identity Theft in Renaissance Art
Renaissance artists typically depicted Jesus as a Christian without a hint of his Jewish identity and heritage. And art historians and art critics have failed to acknowledge this falsification of biblical history. An upcoming exhibit at tsinghe National Gallery of Art is a good opportunity for the curators of the exhibit to tell the truth about the identity theft in Renaissance artworks.
(12 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 22, 2011 Lights Out for Third World America?
The downward spiraling of America is evidenced as cities and municipalities face bankruptcy and cut basic services. Shortening of the school week and school hours in grade schools throughout the U.S. is the most chilling confirmation of decline. In short-changing and abandoning our children we are canceling our insurance policy for a robust future.
(73 comments) SHARE Friday, April 26, 2013 To Experience Jesus, Visit a Synagogue
Jesus was a dedicated Jew who prayed, as Jews do today, with prayer shawl and tefillin (pylacteries).He regularly attended prayer services at a synagogue where he read from the Torah.A synagogue visit during prayer services offers an authentic Jesus experience: "That's what Jesus did every Sabbath."
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, August 24, 2012 The New Vanity Publishing: Traditional Publishing
The new world of self-publishing offers incredible opportunities for authors to publish their works when they want, earn thirty to eighty percent royalties, control all the rights to their books, and to market to targeted audiences over the internet.Sadly, many authors think that self-publishing is vanity publishing. It's not--and the vanity for authors who are not high profile is now in seeking a traditional publisher.
(9 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 30, 2019 How to Defeat Donald Trump:Think Psychological Warfare
Donald Trump's relentless repetition of degrading names and false accusations for his opponents is a powerful psychological conditioning technique that results in mind control.
(16 comments) SHARE Monday, November 22, 2021 How 'Socialism' Gave us Coronavirus Vaccines and Saved the World From a Worse Pandemic
The market model of "leave it to private companies and corporations to address and prepare for a pandemic has proven a failure. The financial risk is just too great. Only when government funding is provided does the research and development move. Yet, Republicans call all government programs "socialism."If not for this "socialism" we might still be waiting for a vaccine.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, February 20, 2015 Five Stages of Anti-Semitism in Art -- From Medieval to Modern Times
Art historians have attributed obvious anti-Semitism in Medieval and Renaissance artworks to technical developments and advancements in painting, not ideology. Mounting evidence, though, cited in this article, challenges that view with powerful illustrations of the deliberate and willful inclusion of anti-Semitic iconography covering many centuries of artworks.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, March 5, 2012 Yes, We Can Have Free College Education--Here's How
The outrageous cost of higher education and the crippling burden of student loans that are now approaching a trillion dollars are generating a frightening college dropout rate that will harm our economy well into the future. The answer to the crisis in higher education is free college. We had it during the great depression and we can have it now.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, September 30, 2016 Zika, Pandemics, and the Market Model: Till Death Do Us Part?
Recent international responses to pandemic threats have been slow, widely dispersed, and fragmented. This makes no sense given warnings about potentially devastating effects of pandemics that could kill millions Much of the response to threats subscribe to a market model that funds pharmaceutical companies, university research centers, and independent contractors. A model based on the Manhattan Project would be far better.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 10, 2011 Can I Change My Personality or Am I Stuck?
Change and transformation are central issues in spirituality and psychotherapy. But the conceptions are sharply different.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 The Non-Voter's Begging Cup and Prayer Card
More than forty percent of eligible voters don't vote in national elections in the U.S. In 2016 100 million Americans didn't cast ballots in the presidential election. Yet for sure, they have needs, wants and complaints. To get what they want they might try the non-voter's begging cup and prayer card. If these don't deliver they might then exercise a proven method: the sacred right to vote in our democracy.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 15, 2016 How the "Dumbest" Country Became the Leader in Technology and Innovation
National rankings on student performance place the U.S. below most industrialized nations based on mean (average) scores. Yet the U.S. is the leader in many intellectual domains including technology and innovation. How to explain this puzzling paradox? Compare the upper ten percent of American students with the same of other countries and the rankings and conversation will take a sharp turn.
(7 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 14, 2011 Update on the Pandemic Disease of the 21st Century
New outbreaks of PACS (Posterior Alimentary Canal Syndrome)suggest that the disease is not only getting out of control it is rising to a new level of infestation: Group flare-ups. This report also cites evidence that PACS may be a mutant form of the Asian gaming addiction, PC Bang.
(7 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 15, 2015 Who Was the Most Destructive Jewish "Messiah"? It Wasn't Jesus
Jesus was not the first or the last of Jewish "Messiahs." Jews reject all of them because they did not deliver the promises of the messiah prophesy. Many of these false messiahs did great damage to Jews and Judaism. Yet some are still revered. Jesus was a dedicated Jew who did no damage, yet he is shunned and condemned by Jews.It makes no sense. It's time for Jews to drop the Jesus phobia.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, August 3, 2020 The Stock Market Surge and Wall Street's Dangerous Blind Faith in Science
The coronavirus is surging in 28 states with devastatng impacet o the economy--and no end in sight. Many businesses that were shut down are not expected to reopen, which will add to the growing unemployment, already greater than 10% Yet despite this economic catastrophe Wall Street is soaring with stock prices reaching new highs. This puzzling phenomenon can be traced to Wall Street's dangerous blind faith in science.
(17 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 17, 2013 Jesus in Jewish Art: The Missing Pieces
Many Jewish artists have been drawn to producing artworks about Jesus and the crucifixion to express a common connection through the theme of suffering: Jesus on the cross and other Jews through persecutions, and particularly the Holocaust. An important exhibit of Jewish Jesus artworks at a 1942 exhibit in NYC (Puma Gallery) has slipped into oblivion.Hopefully, these artworks can be found and resurrected for public viewing.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 4, 2014 The Cut that Divided Jews and Christians--And the Mystery of the Missing Circumcision in Artworks
Why did Christianity celebrate Jesus’ circumcision when circumcision was a key issue that split Judaism and Christianity? Why do several paintings show Jesus about to be circumcised but none depicting Jesus actually circumcised? The reasons for these omissions, and the failure of art historians, curators, and critics to address the issue of falsification of biblical history in artworks are explored in this article
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Is the Trump Dossier About to Grow With New Expose?
Guardian journalist Luke Harding promises new explosive additions to the "Trump Dossier" in his new book that will be released on November 16th: "Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win"
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 9, 2018 Why Christian Anti-Semites Are Ignorant of Their Own Faith
Anti-Semites are ignorant of the common foundation of Judaism and Christianity. Otherwise they would know that Jesus was a dedicated practicing Jew and that the synagogue was his spiritual home; thus, an attack on a synagogue is also an attack on Jesus.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, October 25, 2014 Ebola and Public Health Versus the 'Bottom Line'
Ask honestly the best approach for finding a cure and vaccine for Ebola,the answer would not be the for profit model of "leave it to the market." Proof of that is the fact that we could have had a vaccine for Ebola years ago but haven't because there was little profit in it for the competitive "leave it to the market" model.Yet we do have a model that would work if our main interest was saving lives rather than financial gain.
(11 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 20, 2013 How Artists Invented the Christian Jesus
"The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci looks like a gathering of christian monks, not orthodox Jews together for a Passover celebration that Jesus instructed his disciples to prepare for.This is typical of Medieval and Renaissance paintings the convert Jesus and his falily and followers into latter-day Christians.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Jesus and Paul Chose to Die as Dedicated Jews--According to the New Testament
Both Jesus and Paul were charged with blasphemy against Judaism by the Sanhedrin,which only had authority over Jews.If Jesus and Paul had defected from Judaism and intended to start a new religion,as many maintain,why didn't they say that when they were facing execution? “Sanhedrin:I'm not a Jew any longer. I'm a Christian.You have no authority over me."But they didn't take that obvious defense Why? They were dedicated Jews.
(9 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 19, 2014 Jewish Jesus in Renaissance Art and the Roots of Anti-Semitism
The announcement that the mother of the late Cardinal O'Connor was Jewish shocked many. Fact is that the mothers of all the founders of Christianity were Jewish. More surprising is that Renaissance artists in depicting Jesus and his followers erased their Jewish identities--a phenomenon that contributed to anti-Semitism over many centuries--and art historians continue to neglect to acknowledge these falsifications.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 27, 2015 For Bernie Sanders: A Practical Plan for Free College Education That Can Work Now!
Bernie Sanders'proposal for free tuition at public colleges and universities is bold and necessary to insure an educated competitive workforce ready for the 21st century global marketplace. Given the legislative paralysis of Congress, Sanders'proposal is not likely to be enacted soon. But there is a way to provide free college education now that does not require government support or endorsement.It's based on a proven model.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 7, 2020 "COVID-19 Was a Curveball," Says Mayor, Bill de Blasio. No, it Was a Screwball After Failing to Hit Slowballs
We had warning after warning over the last several decades that a deadly virus we will not be able to stop was likely to emerge. What was our answer? Rather than mobilizing maximum resources to stop pandemic threats we took a wait and see attitude. Now we see-and it's gruesome. No Mayor de Blasio, COVID-19 isn't a curveball, it's a screwball due to inaction. We need a Manhattan Project for pandemics NOW!
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 21, 2015 Passion Plays and Oratorios, 'Christ Killers,' and the Magic Trick of 'Deus Ex Machina'
Passion plays and Oratorios depict the mission and crucifixion of Jesus. Traditionally these productions blame the Jews collectively for the death of Jesus. Some modern performances delete or revise ant-Semitic passages but many do not.Charging all Jews Christ Killers who called for the crucifixion should be expunged not because it is politically incorrect but because the accusation is false, as detailed evidence will confirm
(11 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 9, 2013 Was Jesus Gay? Unlikely. Married? Maybe. Both? Possibly
There has been much speculation about Jesus' sexuality.Various commentators have suggested every possibility, including the most provocative speculation that he was Gay. But if he were gay it's likely that he would have covered it up given the hash taboo against homosexuality in the Old Testament.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Bible Expert's Surprising Findings About Jews and Judaism Revealed in the New Testament
This interview with biblical scholar Professor Lawrence Schiffman reveals citations in the New Testament that are the earliest or sole mentions of those facts or events. These revelations confirm that the New Testament as an important source and document about Judaism in the time of Jesus and the apostles. It also reminds us of the Jewish Foundations of Christianity.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, May 15, 2015 Journalism Tackles 'The Problem With Good Friday' and an Episcopal Priest Responds
In response to an article on the anti-Semitic content in traditional Passion Plays and Passion musical productions which are performed as part of Easter celebrations, an Episcopal Priest in San Francisco is holding a seminar on "The Problem With Good Friday."
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 27, 2013 The Last Supper According to Judas in the Works by Famed Filmmaker Armondo Linus Acosta
A plethora of bible films have told the stories of religions' heroes and villains. But none have explored the inner worlds of Jesus' Apostles. Armondo Linus Acosta, in his latest film that is in development, "The Last Super According to Judas" will offer an in-depth study of the Apostles during a 24 hour period that changed the world.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, September 11, 2020 Stop the Hysteria: If Trump Loses the Election He Will Promptly Abandon the White House
Numerous articles have expressed shock at Donald Trump's hint that if he loses the election ("the fraudulent rigged election") he will not leave. There's good reason to believe that he's bluffing. He always threatens but then backs off when confronted and challenged. It's a mode of operating that he learned from his mentor Roy Cohn: "hit and run." And that's precisely what this article propose he will do if he loses.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Harnessing 'Senior Power' to Boost Our Economy
"The unprecedented gains in life expectancy of the longevity revolution will have profound effects on the future, not only of our older citizens but of younger ones as well. Indeed, their fates are intertwined." To create a society that will be viable for all age group--older adults will have to contribute to GDP--and there's a way to painlessly accomplish that.
(15 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Identity Purge: The Search for the Jew in Jesus in Renaissance Art
Throughout the vast archives of Medieval and Renaissance paintings and other artworks picturing Jesus, there is no visual evidence that Jesus was Jewish -- or had any connection to Judaism. A new film tells the story of this identity purge and its impact on historical anti-Semitism.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, June 19, 2017 How will History Remember Donald Trump and His Sycophants?
Donald Trump and his sycophants will not be present to spin or rationalize their lies and hypocrisies when their words and actions appear in history books and other texts--and will have to stand on their own. They will not stand well and history will not be kind to Trump and company. The unprecedented magnitude of lies and hypocrisy is likely to cast them as the quintessential buffoons of history.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, February 25, 2011 Senior Bashing Is Back In Season
Contrary to the belief that Social Security is a drain and adds to our national debt it actually reduces the national debt. Sounds too good to be true but in ths case it is true.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 10, 2017 New Film Chronicles the Surprising Story of Jewish Renewal in Africa
Filmmaker Gabrielle Zilkha discovered a thriving Jewish community that traces its origins to Ancint Israel and the expulsion of Jews from Iberia in 1482. Could they be one of the "lost tribes" of Israel?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 1, 2020 Release Young or Older Prisoners? Will They be Safer as COVID-19 Rages Through Alternative Care Facilities and Society?
COVID-19 is surging in American prisons because overcrowding is preventing isolation and social distancing that might save lives. To address this issue prison officials, politicians, and media pundits are urging the largescale release of prisoners. But which ones? Older or younger inmates-and according to which risk factors? And, will they be safer outside of prison during the present pandemic crisis?
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, November 14, 2016 Open Letter to Evangelicals Who Voted For Donald Trump
White Evangelicals won the election for Donald Trump by voting for him in greater numbers than ever before for a Republican candidate. But in doing so they abandoned almost all of their core religious and spiritual values. Sadly, it's highly unlikely that Trump will deliver for them what he promised.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 25, 2016 The Transformation of the Virgin Mary: How a Jewish Girl From Nazareth Became a Christian Icon
The New Testament offers a handful of sparse citations about the life of Mary, mother of Jesus.Despite this paucity of information, an astonishing trove of books throughout history have been written about her.The one fact about Mary that stands out in the bible depictions is her dedication to Judaism. Yet Mary's Jewish identity is the one thing glaringly absent in Medieval and Renaissance art representations of her.
(18 comments) SHARE Friday, November 4, 2011 Not a Native American? You're an Immigrant
The 125th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty should remind us of what has made America unique and great:Immigrants. But we are in danger of abandoning that greatness as we forget that we are a nation of immigrants in a spreading nationwide assault on immigration and immigrants.
(12 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 17, 2015 "Oh, My God:" The Laments of Jesus Echo Throughout All Religions
Followers of all religions have often misunderstood, distorted, or violated the original spiritual messages of the teachings.Jesus, Buddha, Brahman, and Yahweh surely would object to acts committed in their names.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, March 21, 2022 Repeating the Same Failed Responses to Climate Change Illustrates Albert Einstein's Definition of Insanity
Governments and the public have repeatedly shown that they will not practice the sacrifices for extreme conservation that could stop the catastrophes of climate change. Yet each time a new appeal is issued there is the expectation of a different outcome. That is insanity. Science holds the best possibility to defeat climate change. But only if given the necessary massive resources.The stakes are high and time is running out
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Enroll in Cheater University and Watch Your Business Soar
A parody on phony "colleges" and "Universities" that fleece students and don't deliver promises while lining the pockets of the administrators and faculty.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, April 8, 2022 Fascism Isn't Coming to America, It's Here
Too many Americans are fans of authoritarianism encouraged by leaders who are undermining our democracy-and enticing them with promises that will not improve their lives. Unfortunately, these authoritarian-leaning Americans do not fully understand authoritarianism. An honest look at the daily lives of people living under authoritarian rule might change their minds. Because that isn't happening our democracy is in grave danger
(8 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Ben Carson Still Insists Jews Could Have Gunned Their Way out of the Holocaust
Guns in the hands of ordinary Jewish citizens in Germany would have stopped or "lessened the Holocaust says Ben Carson. His statement may please gun lovers but it reveals deeply flawed logic, ignorance of historical facts and a lack of understanding of despotic governments. Several armies could not stop the German war machine so how could armed Jewish civilians have taken down the Third Reich? Frightening flawed thinking!
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Politicians Beware: The Boomers Are Coming And They Wont Play Dead
With all the proposed cuts in federal and state programs and the giveaways to corporations,politicians and policy makers have failed to take note of the power of the 77 million baby boomers who will be most affected.If you think the Wall Street protest is something, see what happens when the boomers wake up and weigh in--"You Ain't Seen Nuttin Yet."
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 20, 2022 Is the Human Species on a Fast Track Toward Extinction?
Overwhelming evidence exposes our failure to act on climate change commensurate with the current threat to human survival. At the same time, science is under assault, suggesting that further evidence of planetary degradation will not change the minds of deniers. Science offers the best chance for salvation from extinction. But only if we urgently mobilize it on a massive scale.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 9, 2017 Can General Kelly Do the Impossible: Change Donald Trump?
Under the best of circumstances radical behavior and personally change is rare; even rarer late in life--and virtually impossible when there is no interest in change. And why would Trump seek change when he believes he knows more than everyone. How will a general reign him in when Trump knows more than the generals. Trump will continue to be Trump.
(10 comments) SHARE Friday, August 22, 2014 Images of Jesus as Christian, Jew, Criminal, and Divine: Conception Drives Perception
Christians and Jews have sharply different views of Jesus. Christians embrace him, Jews shun him. Surprisingly, both groups are largely New Testament illiterate. Their differing perceptions of Jesus are derived from culturally conditioned assumptions that ignore the common foundation of the two faiths.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Would Charles Darwin Get a Gun?
After the most recent massacre will we finally muster the courage to make an honest re-evaluation of our gun laws?
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, September 15, 2017 Edith O'Hara's Passion For Theater Still Going Strong At Age 100
Edith O'Hara is a role model illustrating that age is no barrier for passion, creativity, and productive living. Her passion for the theater is as strong at age 100 as when younger.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Key to Effective Protesting: Put a Name on the Sign
When Mr.Dave said they are putting "your name" on the sign the checks promptly arrived by courier. Without names of politicians who endorse Trump's policies and actions, the signs are not likely to irritate sensitive nerves that might evoke a remission to rationality and humanity.Yet almost all the protest signs in the Women's March addressed generalities rather than naming & shaming the sycophants who are sucking up to Trump
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, December 20, 2021 Finally, Good News for Everyone to Celebrate: You've Won the Biggest Lottery Ever
With all the dreary news this past year including lockdowns and restrictions on socializing, attending entertainment, and other cultural events and gatherings, it's not surprising that people are feeling unhappy and down on their luck. So this good news will be welcome: You've won the biggest lottery ever--and you don't know it.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Heigh Ho Cell Phone--The Ego Rides Again
Technology has vastly enriched our world. Tasks that previously took weeks, months,or even years can be accomplished in hours or days. At the same time, the addiction to technology poses a threat to spiritual development. With the pull to "out there" rather than "in here" the ego is in charge and the spiritual-self slips away. Restoring the primacy of the spiritual-self is is the challenge for serious spiritual seekers.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, October 26, 2020 What the Media Doesn't Want to Know (or Report) About Political Polls but Should Know (and Report)
Americans increasingly don't trust political polls--mostly because these surveys are so often wrong. But there is a more important reason why polls shouldn't be trusted. They rarely meet scientific standards.To assess the validity of polls you have to be able to identify the red flags.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 13, 2012 Must You Pay to Use Photos of Public Domain Artworks? No, Says a Legal Expert
Museums, other institutions and photographers charge fees for the use of their "salvish" mere reproduction photos of public domain artworks.In charging a licensing fee they are claiming or implying that they hold a copyright on the photos. Yet a landmark federal court ruling and comments for legal experts say that those photos are in the public domain and therefore you don't have to pay to use them.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 27, 2012 "Obama? I Wouldn't Vote For That Socialite."
Republican rhetoric swims in false statements. Truth seems to hold little sway in the debates--and the moderators timidly allow lies to stand. Fifth grade teachers would do better in running the debates and forcing the truth.See how.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 22, 2016 Did Religious Voters Make a Catastrophic Mistake in Supporting Trump?
The 80 percent of white evangelicals who played a key role in catapulting Donald trump to the presidency are taking a big gamble. In sacrificing their religious values and principles, which are defied by Trumps behavior and views, they are counting on the restoration of jobs that have been sent abroad.If Trumps promises don't materialize--and many economic experts say they can't and won't--religions may face mass defections.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Jeff Sessions' Authority Defense for Cruelty of 'Just Following Orders' Has a Grim History
The Trump administration's cruelty to asylum seekers and their children has been rationalized by Attorney General Jeff Sessions with the "authority defense" based on his cherry-picking of a few sentences out of context from Romans 13 in the Bible.The teachings of Jesus put this rationalization to shame.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, June 3, 2016 The Longevity Revolution: The Danger of Thinking It's Just About Social Security and Medicare
For the first time in human history, older adults are becoming the largest demographic group. The gap will grow exponentially as the elderly population continues to expand and the younger working population shrinks. This poses challenges that can destabilize us economically, politically,and socially.Yet politicians refuse to address the big picture while pretending that the issues are limited to Social Security and Medicare.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 11, 2014 Does Conspiracy Account for the Absence of Jesus' Jewish Identity in Renaissance Art?
Search Renaissance depictions of Jesus his family and disciples and you will not find even a trace of their Jewish identities and heritage. These omissions were far worse than a conspiracy. They reflected assumptions that were woven into the very fabric of Medieval and Renaissance society's marginalization and persecution of Jews. Pope Francis though is leding a new era of reconciliation of Christianity and Judaism
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 23, 2015 Art Can Inspire Faith. It Can Also Empower Destructive Ideologies. Renaissance Art Depictions of Jesus Did Both
A vast trove of Renaissance paintings omit Jesus Jewish heritage and identity. Presenting Jesus as a Renaissance Christian served the desire of the Christian leadership to promote the faith and separate Christianity from its Jewish roots. But most puzzling is the failure of modern day art historians, curators, and critics to acknowledge or comment on the falsification of biblical history in these artworks.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 17, 2017 Is the Goldwater Rule Obsolete? Should Psychiatrists and Psychologists Comment on the President's Mental Health?
Despite the Goldwater rule, that restricts psychiatrists from commenting on people they have not personally examined, many mental health experts are violating the rule by offering mental status evaluations of Donald Trump. Should they face disciplinary action? Or, is the Goldwater Rule obsolete--upended by vast changes in technology and the media since it was invoked over a half-century ago in 1964?
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, May 6, 2011 When Social Security Meets Immortality
Senior bashers continue to erroneously point to Social Security for adding to the national debt when, in fact, Social Security Reduces debt. But there's a bigger problem ahead for entitlements and society as a whole as science is heading toward breaking the genetic aging code and vastly extending the average lifespan to science fiction levels.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Jesus: Rambo or Prince of Peace? A Commentary on 'The Crucifixion Rule Book'
Many biblical experts and pundits have assumed that since the Romans crucified Jesus,he (Jesus) must have been an insurgent who was promoting armed rebellion against Roman occupation. Why else would they crucify Jesus, since that gruesome type execution was supposedly reserved for insurrectionists, escaped slaves, and perpetrators of heinous crimes. But was a strict crucifixion rule book rigidly followed? Highly doubtful!!
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, November 12, 2012 No Planet, No Jobs: The Suicide Bombing of Science
Climate change and global warming took a back seat in the presidential debates because politicians know that those issues are off the radar of the general public. While jobs, and other gut issues are the main concern of Americans, fact is that that catastrophic events related to climate change trump all other issues when nature speaks, as was the case with Hurricane Sandy.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, April 1, 2013 Jesus to Church Leaders: 'How Dare You in My Name'?
Christian leaders throughout history perpetrated violent acts totally antithetical to Jesus' teachings. In a mock trial Jesus confronts them to explain where in his teaching did they find justification for heinous acts.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 5, 2015 Why We Know So Little About Moses and Jesus
The sharp difference between modern views of personality development and ancient understandings explain why so little was reported about the early lives of great figures. Today we place emphasis on personal experience to explain the shaping of behavior.In biblical times destiny or inborn traits were thought to determine who a person would become.Thus childhood experiences were ignored by biographers through much of history.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 5, 2021 Who's Likelier to Take Your Guns Away? An Authoritarian Regime
Contrary to popular belief, far-right and other authoritarian regimes are likelier to take guns away from the public than liberal democratic governments. History confirms this-without exception. Those who think that authoritarian rule would protect and guarantee their Second Amendment rights should think again.
(8 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 1, 2011 Advocacy For the Young Is the Best Advocacy For Seniors
Senior advocacy organizations like AARP should place advocacy for younger generations at the top of their priorities---it is the economic well being of younger generations that will generate the tax revenues for maintaining senior
entitlements.The mantra of senior advocacy should be: Children First!
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 15, 2012 The New Jews of Cameroon
An African Pentecostal Christian group in a rural village in Cameroon, on the west coast of Africa, led by Serge Etele, converted to Judaism. With the assstance of Kulanu, a Jewish outreach organization in New York City, they are learning about Jewish practices.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, May 16, 2011 Should Obama Show His School Transcripts?
Now that President Obama has produced his original birth certificate Donald Trump now wants to see Obama's school records. Trump claims that Obama did not have the academic credentials to get into Columbia University and Harvard Law School.Is this serious issue or another diversionary witch hunt?
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, October 21, 2011 Where Are The Drugs On Wall Street?
Bashers are trying to discredit OWS with vicious distortions saying it's all about drugs. If you really want to know where there is an infestation of druggies, check out the Main Street of Wall Street.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 11, 2019 Gun Massacres: Should Workplaces, Schools, and Houses of Worship Issue Bulletproof Vests?
The frigtening rise in mass shootings has parents, scoolchildren, workers and worshipers wondering what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones, since Congress refuses to enact the tough gun laws that most of the public crave for. Is the bulletproof vest a sensible answer?
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 7, 2020 We Have the Know-How, Ability, and Resources to End Pandemic Threats. So What's Stopping Us?
COVID-19 is terrorizing the world spreading fear, disease, and death. Despite warnings of a possible super-virus emerging that could not be stopped, our preparedness has been dismal. More alarming, while we focus strictly on defensive preparedness there is little if any talk about an offensive to mobilize massive resources for scientific research to end pandemic threats--a task that is doable as outlined in this article.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 11, 2018 Donald Trump vs. Kim Jong-un: The Long and Short of It
Donald Trump is obsessed with size. Everything about him has to be the biggest and the best. Does this conceal his fear of just the opposite?
(29 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 1, 2013 Jewish Jesus Visits the Jewish Museum
This exhibit, which focuses on Chagall's images of the crucifixion, reminds viewers of Jesus' Jewish origins and the common ground of suffering: Jesus on the cross and the suffering of Jews in persecutions, and especially during the Nazi era.
(11 comments) SHARE Friday, February 7, 2014 Tribute to the Beatles -- and Sid Bernstein (Not Ed Sullivan) Who Brought Them to America
The amazing story of how a homework assignment in a Journalism class in 1963("read a British newspaper")led to Sid Bernstein's chance discovery of the Beatles at a time when they were virtually unknown in the U.S.His risky booking of the Beatles to come to America the following year at first seemed a disaster-ticket sales limped along.But then the Beatles' popularity in Europe spilled over to the U.S.-and the rest is history.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Three Cheers for 'Jew in a Box' for Thinking Out of the Box
A harmless but useful and informative exhibit at the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany, generated an uproar. It became a huge media event when headline writers dubbed the exhibit "Jew in a Box."
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Art That's 'Too Jewish'
Two prominent artists in the 19th century painted realistic images of Jesus as a child that created public and critical uproars because the portraits, they charged, were "too Jewish." The fact that Jesus was Jewish didn't seem to count.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 15, 2016 Political Polling Is A Flawed Science That Leads To Fatally Flawed Reporting
During the presidential election campaign the public was inundated with polls, many of which were rolled out daily and weekly.Most were unscientific and untrustworthy.They should not have been taken seriously.Yet they were treated as "breaking news." Throw out the polls and instead talk to hairdressers, bartenders, waiters, cabdrivers, cops and others close to people in the trenches of daily living.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 9, 2018 Hanukkah vs. Christmas: Does It Have to Be a Contest?
Hanukkah and Christmas are much different celebrations--Hanukkah for a military victory that restored the practice Judaism, and Christmas for the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Messiah. Since the Hanukkah festival is not mandated in the Torah, secular Jews wonder if it should be celebrated at all.
Nevertheless, they worry that no celebration might encourage their children to be drawn to Christmas traditions.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 25, 2016 Art Historians Miss the Mark: Follow the Money Trail for Surprising Revelations About Renaissance Art
Patron's who commissioned Renaissance artworks are rarely mentioned by art historians, curators,and critics in discussions, reviews, and critiques of paintings and exhibits.Yet recent research reveals that patrons played a dominant role in overseeing the artworks they commissioned.They specified almost every detail. Patrons should emerge from the shadows and their contribution to the creative process acknowledged and reported
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 24, 2021 How Anti-Semitism Killed Christians and How Anti-Science is Now Killing People of All Faiths
During the black plague, instead of Christians blaming Jews and persecuting them for the disease had they paid attention to what Jews were doing differently, untold numbers might have been saved. During the current pandemic, if science deniers had paid attention to what those who dodged the coronavirus were doing differently, untold numbers might have been saved.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 10, 2022 "Xueta Island": The Untold Story of Genocide and the Resurrection of Judaism
The film Xueta (pronounced cheweta) Island tells the story of the brutal persecution and murder of Jews over many centuries on the Spanish Island Of Majorca by the Spanish Inquisition. Ultimately the entire Jewish population of the Island was forced to convert. Judaism was then thought to have disappeared. But in recent years descendants of murdered Jews are returning to Judaism.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Inoculation of Frontline Healthcare Workers Will be the First Valid Test of the Efficacy of the Coronavirus Vaccines
Living conditions mandated by the coronavirus pandemic complicate valid testing for effectiveness in clinical trials. Since most of us practice safety measures of masks, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and more, when vaccinated and don't contract the coronavirus, we can't know for sure if the vaccine or safety measures protected us. But there is a way to test for efficacy and that is about to take place.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, September 20, 2013 Art Contributed to the Christian-Jewish Divide, and Art Can Heal it
The process of Christianity separating from Judaism was a long and bumpy road Once a unified Church was established in the fourth century efforts at separation from Judaism accelerated on a number of fronts. Medieval and Renaissance art contributed to the process by totally Christianizing Jesus and his family while erasing their connection to Judaism. Today, reconciliation is underway and art can contribute to that effort.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Brief Encounter With Mike Wallace, the Vineyard's Famous Renter
There's another side to Mike Wallace the hard hitting investigative journalist. In coming out about his depression he took down much of the stigma about mental illness that helped untold numbers seek professional help.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, June 13, 2011 The Deception of Compassion and other Near Enemies
While it may be possible for you to get to the spiriual maountain top on your own, your ego will throw many wrenches in your path that you may not be albe to see without a guide.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 16, 2012 If Only it Were 99 Percent, or Even 80 Percent, Versus the Rich
The super wealthy at the top of the wealth gap continue to accumulate riches while the bottom 99 percent, or more realistically, eighty percent, that have only fifteen percent of the national wealth continue to fall behind.Problem is that too many at the lower rung are asleep and not ready to fight for income equality. Unless they wake up little will change
(12 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 21, 2016 Why Christians Should Celebrate Passover
While Passover is a celebration of the exodus of Jews from slavery in Egypt, the quest for freedom is a universal theme. Furthermore, if not for the exodus from Egypt it's doubtful that Christianity ever would have arisen. More specifically, though, Passover, is a major event in the life of Jesus.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 21, 2020 No, it Wasn't Calls to Defund Police Departments that Defeated Democrats in Senate Races--The Boogeyman Did It
It was stunning and revealing to watch the complete Senate debates of the Democrats who lost closely contested races. In every instance, rather than presenting policies or answering criticisms the Republicans attacked with fear mongering--the boogeyman.There is a way to vaporize the boogeyman. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff should take note for their upcoming runoff elections in Georgia.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 25, 2015 Destroying Ivory to Save Elephants: Is it Working?
At the present furious rate of elephant poaching, these majestic mammals may soon be gone from the planet. To stop the lucrative ivory trade governments have been pulverizing their vast collections of seized ivory. But is this strategy stopping the killing of elephants? The evidence says no. Other measures appear more promising for crushing the ivory trade and saving elephants from extinction .
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, May 3, 2013 Surprise: 'Jew in a Box' Is Not in a Box
The media slammed an exhibit at the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany by dubbing it with the offensive title, "Jew in a Box." The world press joined the assault without bothering to fact check.Now it turns out that the "box" isn't even a box.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 25, 2013 Will 'Schmekelgate' Stop the Rise of Anthony Weiner and Eliot Spitzer?
The history of infidelity and sexual indiscretions show that redemption and forgiveness often prevail, especially if followed by good deeds and control of the "restless penis syndrome." With the latest revelations, Anthony Weiner has violated the control factor making his fate uncertain.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 6, 2013 The Return of the Blood Libel: Can Art Stop the Hemorrhaging of Hate?
Along with the surge of the far right Jobbik party in Hungary,anti-Semitism is on the rise. A Parliamentary leader of the far right has resurrected a shameful blood libel charge against Jews that took place in a village in Hungary in 1882
(8 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 12, 2015 In Rejecting Measles Vaccination Are You Defying God's Will?
Despite ample evidence to the contrary, many fundamentalists insist that the healing of illness is strictly in the hands of God, not man or his science. But man and his creative innovations are part of God's creation. Thus rejecting vaccination and other miraculous inventions and discoveries is rejecting God's creations and defying God. Shouldn't that be called blasphemy?
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, October 4, 2013 "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself": Failing Grade for Religious America
Income inequality is widening,the rich are richer than ever, corporate cash is at an all time high, poverty is increasing, huger is on the rise, many working poor live in shelters, homelessness is rampant--and Congress passes a bill calling for deep cuts in the food stamp program.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 16, 2015 Will the World Awaken? Prospects For the Sustainable Development Agenda Adopted by the United Nations
News reports tell us that the world is a mess and in crisis. But what's missing from the reports are the positive encouraging trends and the flourishing pro-social programs. Also, recent findings in evolutionary biology suggest that group altruism may be favored in natural selection--something hopeful for the future of the planet.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 6, 2020 Lament of a Coronavirus Casualty: "Lord, Why Didn't You Save Me?"
The United States is experiencing a frightening surge of COVID-19 infections and a death rate far exceeding other developed nations, despite having the best medical science. Our failure can be traced not only to the lack of national leadership but to vast numbers of the U.S. population who reject science and place their fates in "faith." But science can also be seen as part of divine creation and should be included in faith.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, January 23, 2015 A New Play, Looking for Parcifal, Tackles Death -- With Humor
in her new play, "Looking for Parcifal," playwright Brenda Shoshanna explores the full range of mechanisms different people employ in coping with the death of a loved one. Shoshanna's entertaining and provocative play raises the question:is love the antidote to fear?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Students Should Demand Their Colleges Produce Free Open Textbooks to End the Textbook Racket
There is a simple and doable answer to how colleges can end the price gouging on textbooks ($150 and more).Colleges should require their junior and nontenured faculty to contribute chapters to department open textbooks that can be offered to students at no cost. Before new faculty engage in academic publications under the "publish or perish" dictum, demand that they first contribute to free open textbooks for their students.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 22, 2013 Mayor Bloomberg Launches a Clandestine Passover Police Unit
In his campaign to enforce high nutritional standards for New Yorkers--and set an example for the rest of the country--Mayor Michael Bloomberg is targeting cholesterol, salt, and sugar overload at traditional Passover Seders. Even the brisket will be placed under suspicion.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 18, 2015 The Election Campaigns Need Fresh Acts. Will the New Ones Make Us Laugh and Spin?
The candidates have run out of steam from over-exposure. They desperately need new material. But their positions are fixed. So where can they turn for freshness? The media may have pushed them to compete with humor and other entertainment forms rather than substance. Will the candidates now be heading to "Dancing With the Stars"?