The Jewish vote: For humanity
A while ago Shoula Horing, an ardent supporter of Israel, urged us to vote against the re-election of President Obama so that Israel, with United States support, could go to war with Iran after the election. She also speculates that, if re-elected, President Obama’s policies will favor the Arab nations in the resolution of the Middle East problems.
War with Iran is not a permanent answer to the developing nuclear threat. Nor is it likely that a re-elected President Obama will not support Israel, the only functioning democracy in the region, as the search for a peaceful solution continues.
What, then, of Ms. Horing’s advice to vote against President Obama? That leaves two choices — stay at home or vote for Gov. Romney. Staying home, even where the conclusion is foregone, as in Kansas, is really not an option. Voting is a privilege which must be exercised to be protected.
So what do we get if the vote is for Gov. Romney?
Continuation of a 14 percent tax rate for the very rich while the rest of us pay more.
A policy against equal pay for women for equal work.
A policy against allowing women to control their own bodily future.
A policy against affordable health care for all Americans.
A policy in favor of the manipulation of the economy to benefit big financial institutions and against the middle classes.
A policy to privatize Medicare and Social Security to the detriment of the middle classes and in favor of the insurance and financial institutions.
A Policy of reducing federal program benefits for future generations.
A policy against preserving the environment from pollution.
President Obama, on the other hand, is trying to remedy these problems in the face of determined opposition from the Republicans and their billionaire supporters. He is curing an economy that was many years in the making. He is ending our undeclared wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that have drained our blood and resources. He is trying to preserve the American way of life for all Americans, not just the 1 percent. He is trying to maintain our moral stance in the eyes of the world.
The Jewish obligation is to heal the world. The choice in November then is clear.
Joel Pelofsky
Kansas City, Mo.
Pay attention to local races
Public education and the arts are important Jewish values that I believe are an essential part of a democratic society. I encourage everyone who also feels these are critical to pay attention to the local races for the Kansas House and Kansas Senate. Unfortunately, many of the moderate Republicans in the legislature lost in the primary to candidates who favor Gov. Brownback’s policies. These include cutting public education, eliminating arts funding to Kansas communities (which caused us to lose $1.2 million in federal arts funding), and draconian tax cuts that will decimate vital services. Brownback’s attitude toward separation of church and state is another concern. It is imperative that enough moderates win races to keep Brownback from getting a supermajority in the legislature and giving him the opportunity to make changes to the Kansas Constitution.
There is hope. In almost all races, the only moderate candidate is the Democrat who can win with your help. Even current State Senators Tim Owens (lost in primary) and John Vratil (retiring) have crossed party lines to endorse several Democratic candidates, praising their common moderate philosophies.
Do your own research. Check out the endorsements from Mainstream Coalition (http://www.mainstreamcoalition.org) and Kansas Families for Education (http://www.fundourpublicschools.com/Endorsements.html.) Take advantage of early voting to avoid lines on Nov. 6. Get details at www.jocoelection.org, and take your driver’s license or government issued ID to the polls. Your vote counts.
Alice Capson
Overland Park, Kan.
Assist older adults
Thanks to Anita Loeb for her kind letter (Oct. 4) about how the JET Express volunteer driver program has changed her life for the better. While our volunteers love to give older adults the support they need to stay active and independent, the friendships formed often mean so much more than the services provided.
Jewish Family Services’ older adults initiatives offer a variety of ways for volunteers to connect with older adults in our community. In addition to JET Express, our Help@Home program uses handy volunteers of every skill level to make minor home repairs, provide computer support, and other services so older adults can stay independent, comfortable, and in control of their daily lives.
We would love to expand these services and offer assistance to even more older adults who just need a little help to continue living independently. However, demand for these much-needed services continues to increase, as does the need for volunteers. If you want to connect with older adults and would like to learn more about getting involved with great programs like JET Express and Help@Home, please call 913-730-1410 or visit www.jfskc.com/volunteer.
Suzanna Barnes
Washburn Americorps VISTA Fellow
Volunteer Coordinator
Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City
Tzedakah at its best
Kudos to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah for continuing to think outside the box and initiating another wonderfully creative project that engages their congregation: The Giving Tree Project. Many congregants plucked leaves from the tree that involved purchasing gifts for SAFEHOME’s residents/clients. Many of these generous people called asking “is this really enough?” When women and children need to leave their homes quickly to be safe, it’s the little things in life that end up meaning the most. Perspectives change. Everyone who chose a leaf for SAFEHOME should feel good about the fact that when these gifts reached the intended resident or client, they made a huge difference in that person’s life. This project beautifully illustrates how one can give tzedakah by performing a mitzvah, and teach the importance of both to children. Thank you for your innovative thinking and generosity.
Sharon Katz
Executive Director
SAFEHOME5
