Meanwhile, I would love to see some of the jobless people I know find something. Having the unfortunate facility of being able to envision the global picture, I find myself noting that Banque de la Mom is finite. I do not relish the thought of all of us declaring bankruptcy. Of course, we’re not there yet; I’m just doing the “what-ifs.” On the other hand, when I look at the average price of nursing homes in Connecticut, I’m painfully aware that everything I have would cover about two years, and that market we were talking about earns a thousand in a good month.

And the judiciary of Alabama has decided it will fight to the finish for the right to display the Ten Commandments. Granted that the entire judicial system is based on the ideals from religion, do you suppose that people who espouse those ideals need the reminder? [I don’t.] Do you really think that the sight of the Commandments will reform people who are already breaking the law? [Don’t make me laugh.] On the other hand, do you think that some people whose beliefs differ from yours (including nonbelievers) might be offended by a “Judeo-Christian” symbol? [I can understand if they are, even though most symbols don’t bother me.] So now, explain to me what Alabama is gaining from this stand, outside of publicity. Somehow, I don’t think it will help the tourist trade.

How do I feel? Read the following, received from a friend in Israel:

A reporter goes to Israel to cover the fighting. She is looking for something emotional and positive and of human interest. Something like that guy in Sarajevo who risked his life to play the cello every day in the town square.

In Jerusalem, she heard about an old Jew who had been going to the Western Wall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time. So she went to check it out. She goes to the Western Wall and there he is!

She watches him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turns to leave, she approaches him for an interview.

“I'm Marlene Smith, CNN News. Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?”

“For about 50 years.”

“50 years! That's amazing! What do you pray for?”

“I pray for peace between the Jews and the Arabs. I pray for all the hatred to stop, and I pray for our children to grow-up in safety and friendship.”

“How do you feel after doing this for 50 years?”

“Like I'm talking to a wall.”