My theme for these six viewpoints is Imagine the Possible:  Education NYC, and I find the band-aids nearly impossible to live with as our NYC children fail to dramatically improve in our schools, and where we realistically have no basis for expecting a dynamic shift in educational opportunities for our NYC children.  So, I believe leaps are necessary and possible, and I want you all to Imagine the Possible as you read these six Viewpoints.

1.  The Discussion is Charter Schools

Today’s NYC discussion is Charter Schools.  They work and benefit children’s learning experience in most cases.  Originally meant as experimental for public school modeling, they are now a business, and a political football.  Although media exploits the current debates, the Mayor’s position is not anti-Charters, he has made choices.  Success Schools have been successful.  I say, for the children, you must work it out now.

2.  Our Hidden Private Schools

The untold story of New York’s educational opportunities is not public schools v. charter schools, as charter schools are public schools, it’s public schools v. private schools.  If you can afford them, you can assure the best education for your children.  And that may run $50,000 per child per year for the top private schools.  To me, that’s separate and unequal.  And no vouchers allowed in this town, so no way out.

3.  Imagine Excellence in Our Schools

Imagine excellence rather than equity as excelling in school would give our City’s children the best opportunity to succeed in their lives.  That means a goal of 90% Graduation in ten years, and 100%, the decade after.  Making a minimum wage in our Society, with rent and living, ensures you are on food stamps and Medicaid. That’s the result of equity, as Moynihan called it, “dumbing down our Society.”  That’s not building the foundation for a “life of happiness.”

4.  Expand Educational Governance

I believe in our Mayor, and yet the Bloomberg years convinced me that Mayoral control of education has not served NYC, our children and our parents.  I would call for a move back towards a Board of Education, where the Borough Presidents have a say in the educational opportunities and choices for NYC’s children, and parents again have a say at Community School Boards.  More representative, and transparent.

5. Children With Self-Esteem

Imagine if every NYC child believed in himself/herself from early childhood on, what a difference that would make.  Self esteem trainings could be mandatory in early childhood education, providing the positive tools for their life.  As the All-Stars Project says, performance is not just on stage, it’s about living your daily life, and this is happening in after-school voluntary programs.  Let’s make it happen in school.

6.  It’s a Human Rights Violation

It’s not good enough that there are excuses for the quality of education for children in NYC.  Children must be given basic educational tools to compete in our society, and have the full possibility of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  That is not happening in NYC public schools, and candidly I cannot even imagine why not.  We must envision the possible, for we are limiting the lives of our children, and I consider that a human rights violation.

Happy New Year 2014 !!

It’s Holiday Season, and I am joyful for the incredible circle of friends I have made throughout the years, and the fortunate life I have led.

I look at my City, and the World around me, and as NYC Mayor-Elect Bill DeBlasio so notably terms it, “a Tale of Two Cities,” I see that the rich have prospered even far beyond most people’s imagination, in years of extraordinary despair for others who no longer can afford the basic promises and dreams of America.

Fifty years ago in May, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson, in his Great Society speech delivered at the University of Michigan, said, in his words, “A great people flowers not from wealth and power, but from a society which spurs it to the fullness of its genius.  That alone is a Great Society.”

I know we can do better, and as I set my New Year’s resolutions, I rejoice with all the people I meet who are making enormous contributions to creating this better world, and who respect the twin ideals of giving and service.  I look to 2014 and beyond with extraordinary optimism and renewed purpose, to create a New Great Society, as new days are arriving when the true possibilities of a vibrant America for all can be fulfilled.

And again in the words of President Johnson, “To spread the light, to enlarge man’s inner and outer liberty, to promote the peace of our people and all people…They are the purpose, I believe, of this America.”

I wish you the Happiest and Most Amazing New Year 2014!

– Howard

Hi Howard, I wish you and all your dear ones a serene and healthy holiday season. Be well, stay well and stay in touch.  Ciao, Mico (Licastro)

Dear Howard,  Your words and thoughts resonate deeply within me.  Thank you for articulating them.  Your vision is clear and I join you.  I am proud to be a new member of the NJ All Stars Board.  I hope our paths cross soon.  Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with a world closer to what we work for.  All my best, (Carolyn Dorfman)

Wonderful thoughts. Inequality of opportunity must end. Happy Holidays, Steve (Ludsin)

Jeffrey to Howard:  Dear Howard,  Thanks for your inspiring words from an often times, unfairly, maligned source: LBJ.  My New Year’s resolution is to Co-Create a New World Community of love and Peace.  Possibly you would like to actively join the effort  – see our website: www.NewWorldCommunity.com.  Let me know what you think.  Merry Christmas friend – Jeffrey (B. Peters, Catherine Chase “Cici” Peters)

Howard.  So wonderful to hear from you and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, with health, happiness, wealth, love, and great adventures…From my command  and control center, my laptop on my dining table.

All the best, Leslie (Mandel)

Hi Howard:  This is a very interesting wish for the future…if you haven’t already seen it, watch “Broken City”
on HBO.  When are you coming to S. Florida? I’m looking forward to seeing you again one of these days.
Lots of Love and Healthy Wishes for the New Year.  Phyllis (Gross)

Best to you and yours, Howard. Hope all is well.   Ross M. Wallenstein

Truly wonderful thoughts, Howard.

Larry and I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Joyous New Year. (Larry and Shelly Strickler)

Lovely..I read it twice… Loved the Johnson quotes.  Rhonda (Barad)

Howard!  All the best in this new year.  Fred Cerullo

Howard- Very Nice – Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year.  Michael New

Right on the money–or lack of it, Howard. This is an inspiring note. Happy holiday season to all, except for anti-Semites and racists. Abee  gezundt! Joe Dorinson

Thank you Howard. My best wishes for the coming year.  Edward D. Pollack

Hello Howard!  Thank you for your thoughtful holiday greetings.  I always appreciate optimism, especially the kind that comes from doing good work.  I hope you have a wonderful 2014 and look forward to the next time our paths cross.  Please do let me know if ever you are in Montreal. Very Best Wishes,  Skawennati

Happy Holidays to you from New Orleans!!  Abrasos!!  Sharon (Frazier)

dear howard…what lovely and meaningful  thoughts…i haven’t made any resolutions yet, but yours have given me the impetus..happy new year to you from sarah and victor (kovner)

Hi Howard,  Thanks for your email. My best wishes to you for a very good 2014 year.

Cantor Joseph Malovany.

Howard,  A very happy new year to you too!  Ron Troy

Blessings To you Howard. & A Terrific 2014 & always!  JULIE & JOHN (Julie Budd)

How beautiful Howard! Thank you for including me in in the circle of friends to whom you sent this wonderful message! Happy New Year!! I look forward to catching up with you early in 2014.  Rella (Fogliano)

Merry Christmas, Howard!  Please stay healthy and happy in 2014.  MY RESOLUTION:  To make meaningful progress toward the completion of my book, “B________O: (secret title): A Blue-Eyed Brother’s Journey Through History’s Greatest Sounds.”  Best, James Taibleson

May 2014 bring us only happiness.  Francine Raubvogel

Hi Howard,  You are an amazing human being and I am proud to know you and be able to call you a friend. Watching and listening to you is an inspiration…Thank you for your help. I know we can make this world a better place for all who believe it can be. I believe as a small part of the greater good we can help those who want and thrive on our help to better themselves and the others they touch. Hope is very powerful!  I look forward to seeing you sooner than later. 🙂  Happy Holidays and a Healthy, Blessed  New Year!

Sincerely your SoupMan, Sebby (Seb Rametta)

How lovely  to receive your  holiday wishes and insights. We are all well and looking forward to 2014. Glad to know you are well and constant in  pursuing a good life.  Best, Marcy (Syms)

Happy Holidays, Howard!  All Best,  Christine DeLisle

Such a wonderful note, Howard.  Continued blessings to you, as well.  Have a merry, magnificent, successful and healthy New Year!  Michael (Miller)

Dear Howard . What a beautiful message. I wish you all the best as well may the 2014 fulfill all your wishes . We can talk may be next week if you are AROWND. All the best loula

Howard –  Enjoyed your inspiring holiday note… thanks for sending… and hope to see you soon… You know my devotion to biking as the healthiest, often fastest, and most fun and eco-friendly means to get around New York City… After spending nearly a week with 50 members of the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) biking along its trails from Hartford through NYC and on to Philadelphia, I am committed to the growing movement to make it far easier for bikers, joggers (and every other self-powered person) to travel safely and conveniently between communities up and down the Atlantic Coast.  I encourage you to join this movement, too.  Best holiday wishes,  Buzz (Boaz Shattan, Jr.)

Hi Howard, His words echo true through you to me.  We are very lucky living in a great city and in a great society filled with opportunity.  It;s so lovely to stay in touch with you after all these years!  Wishing you a happy holiday and may 2014 be the best year ever.  Warm regards, Lisa (Lisa Ronis)

Dear Howard, Thank you very much for your wishes. I am honored to be part of the circle of your friends,

I consider you a very special person. I wish you a great and meaningful 2014, all your thoughts may be reality and all your deeds bring light to the world. Happy happy new year, Rita (Benjehuda)

Dear Howard,  How prosaic and philosophical as I read your email Christmas afternoon between gift giving with my family and sharing the meaning of the Advent Season,  hope, peace, joy and love for all humankind. Our faiths are fundamental to reigniting the spirit of America and its glory days of serving and giving towards the rebirth of the Great Society.  Your warm words are inspirational as we embrace 2014 blessed to be contributors to help humanity become a more peaceful, prosperous and positive global society.

Happy New Year fulfilled with the wonderful of life, As always, Your Linda (Linda Stillman)

So beautiful..Love you, my friend.   Happy Everything. Neshama (Carlebach)

and to you my friend  (Gary Erbaum)

This is absolutely beautiful.  Wishing you and yours much health and happiness in 2014.

Best, Eileen (Flannelly)

You are the best, Howard. Sending you all the best wishes for a happy, prosperous, and healthy 2014.

Lynne (Winters)

Hey Howard – Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year as well (from halfway around the globe – in Chiangmai, Thailand).  Howie (Katz)

Hi Howard Teich,       So glad to hear from you.  I also value you and our friendship and all that you’ve done to support all kinds of folks to be able to hear me and FN.  Boy do I miss him.!!  I am fine and doing all kinds of things. I also wanted to let you know that Commissioner Bratton will be bringing greetings at the Operation Conversation Cops and Kids event that I am doing in Bklyn on January 3rd  to train the entire NYPD graduating class of 1100 cops and about 500 people from the community.  Its at the Christian Cultural Center.  Any chance???? Anyway,  my resolution is to continue to put poverty on the front lines of what it is that we have to over throw  in this country and in the world.  Love u dearly, my brother.  See u soon!

Lenora (Fulani)

Howard, Best wishes for year of peace and possibility.  I look forward to creating this new world with you.  I don’t usually make specific resolutions.  In general, it is to keep giving and building pbu that’s more like breathing, something I need to do to live.  Jeff (Arons)

Hello Howard, very up lifting and well written!  Thank you for you undying interest in what is going on around and inside of us!  I also think that we have a great year ahead of us.  My resolutions are humble and personal: 1.To be a better person towards my loved ones and to the entire the world.2.Spend more time on myself – health wise  3.Create the best art possible and promote likeminded artists.I wish you all the best in the up coming 2014 ! Love, luck, health, wealth and joy, lots of it:)  Artem Mirolevich

Howard, thank you for your thoughtful and inspired good wishes. I wish you and our nation as well as the world a happier, healthier, more prosperous and peaceful year ahead. Best, Ethan Eldon

Happy New Year Howard!  Ray (Raymond J. Dowd)

Dear Howard,  Warmest best  wishes for the new year. With Bill de Blasio at the helm, it promises to be an exciting and productive year. Bill (William J. vanden Heuvel)

..Beauty..Freshness..Dreams..Truth..Imagination..Feeling..Faith..Trust!  This is the beginning of a new year.

Happy New Year, Dear Friend.  Manal Faisal Alsharief

Howard – All the best to you in the New year.  I am pleased to see another fan of Lyndon Johnson, whom I admire immensely, warts and all.  Sam (Samuel F. Abernethy)

Howard:  Happy New Year and may 2014 be a prosperous year for you. Ronald Law

Howard.  What wonderful thoughts for 2014!  I am in total agreement about the “Tale of Two Cities.”  Let’s hope with Mayor Bill DeBlasio, it will change.  Thank you for sharing.  Best wishes to you for a wonderful and healthy 2014.  Linda (Gras)

Happy new year, Howard!  (Mama Doni)

Nice to be included in your expression of Joy.   My reaction is: Why Johnson? He lied about the Vietnam war.  .Consider Thurgood Marshall: A society can not have both greed and democratic values and flourish.

I have not quoted him correctly but you get the drift. Giving and service is commendable.The piece that irks me is that relative to their incomes, the people who can least afford to give, give a greater percent of their income. They understand the struggle because they live it.

Have you heard about the book, The New Jim Crow? I listened to it on my way to and from work. It is well researched and a startling picture of the state of inequality of the US.

We both wish the same for our country. I worry as I live in a working class neighbor hood. My neighbor drove a bread truck all his adult life.He had health insurance and was looking forward to being able to stop working, a the repetitive movements of his job left him with aches. BUT his company sold out to a larger concern. To keep his job the company forced him to be an independent driver. He now runs his own business, has to pay an accountant to handle the details. He drives the same route. He rises at 3am each day. He makes less money now than before.

Thank goodness for Obama Care. It gives him some reassurance. His son-in-law lost his job in upstate NY. They moved in to live with my neighbor. 4 adults and 3 children under the age of 5 in a 900 square house. The only silver lining is after 2 years,  the young family has been able to qualify for a bank loan and are looking for a house.

My sister-in-law isn’t good with money, her first husband lived a few years after a massive stroke playing squash. She remarried but over the years has not been able to have success with her art degree. She now stocks the shelves in a large grocery store working the night shift. She’s been there about 8 years. This past year after her husband had 1 lung removed due to cancer, he doesn’t make as much, plus he’s 70 and she’s 59. She has had to rely on the food bank.

I believe in our country, and thank Diane Sawyer for her Made in America campaign. Until those without understand that they are being sold a life style they can’t afford via commercials they won’t understand that politicians favor themselves. I’d like to have a senator’s health insurance plan.

I don’t understand the need to pay hundreds of dollars for shoes, etc. Why do bankers make millions after ruining the lives of so many of the employed people at the bank? Why is a corporation considered a person so that big business can buy their way to what they want?  Blah, Blah, Blah.

OK I’ll get off my own soap box. I agree whole heartedly that we can not provide for our society until those with the power recognize that craving more wealth and power undermines the middle class. Without people to buy goods the companies can’t grow. My understanding of the Golden Rule is two-fold. The original message and: Those with the gold rule.

Thanks for being a sounding board. I appreciated your New Year’s Wishes. I wish you the same.

People have been a source of change and we will continue to do this work for the betterment of all.

I believe one’s thoughts do become a reality.

My wishes are simple. For Linda to find the reason her back continues to “go out” so often. To find the reason for her condition and her pain.

For mom and dad to continue to be healthy.

To continue to find the joy in teaching and know I make a difference in the lives of the children I touch.

To have seen the worst in 2013 of catastrophic weather related destruction to the earth and people’s lives.

For 2014 to be a calm year in the world for weather and war related deaths.

For those with internal wars in their own countries to find peace through reconciliation, following the example set by Mandela.

Thanks for relatives and friends who are in my life.

Jane (Weinstein)

Additional Comments on Jane’s response

Howard to Jane:  What an astounding response, and one I do want to put on my website as a comment, with resolution, to my 2014 New Years note, when we put them on there.  It is so impactful, and so real.  That’s precisely where we can, and must do better.

By the way, on Johnson, there are really two parts to what he did.  One was Vietnam, and we all opposed that, and had a difficult time with him because of that.  The other part was his domestic policy, and his Great Society concept, and the domestic legislation he enacted during his administration that has had lasting impact, and I think is particularly significant today, and to such an extent, that we should take a relook at it.

Always wonderful to hear from you, and I do hope, Jane , that you have the best year in 2014!

– Howard

Jane to Howard:  Thanks for your kind words. You’re welcome to put it on your site. I perhaps would like to revise the Johnson comment to  acknowledge his vision re:  domestic policy and the Great Society, especially the war on poverty.

1. Welcoming Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

Melissa Mark-Viverito waged a strong, direct, and progressive campaign, becoming the first Latino woman to serve as NY City Council Speaker. The attacks by certain of NYC’s newspapers were unseemly.  A real opportunity, and challenge for NYC to make a progressive agenda work, and I welcome her leadership.

2.  NYC – A Tale of Two Cities

Giving recognition to people in our City who have been leading a hard life, and who have not had a voice, is a good thing.  Incredible to watch the stir among those who have been in power the last number of years.  My advice to them, get over it, and support a more inclusive, future NYC.  The fact is that Bill DeBlasio has made many of us take off the blinders.  NY is still the best City in the world!

3.  The Sports Business in NYC

As the City celebrates hosting the SuperBowl with unaffordable ticket prices to most New Yorkers, and when everyday professional basketball, football, hockey, and even now baseball tickets are largely out of range for most NYers, it is time to relook at the obligations of team owners, and their millionaire players, to the fans who cheer them on, and are priced out of the stadiums.

4.  The Miley Cyrus Syndrome

With twerking and less clothes, Miley Cyrus made a career branding choice that has boosted her to the top, and on that level, I may even admire it.  However, if the shift was a corporate decision for profit inducing a young woman to offer her body up as a soft-porn image for her 8-15 year old fans, I have to ask, “what’s gone wrong in our society?”

5.  Do You Understand the Fed’s $4 Trillion?

I just got to ask the question.  In terms of our long-term obligations, what’s the difference between the U.S debt increasing, and the Fed’s buying $4 trillion of our Debt? Haven’t we printed $4 trillion to cover unfunded debt, and haven’t we just added additional obligations to our $17 trillion debt?  Clearly, if we added directly to the debt, we would know what the money was spent on, and yet, with The Federal Reserve, where’s the “trickle down?”

6.  New Thinking to an Israel-Palestinian Peace

With negotiations underway in the Middle East, in my recently-published article, Holding On to Our Homeland (listed under Articles in this Website), I make the case for Israel’s declaring sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, (the West Bank) and annexing the land now.  The hard work of uplifting all the people there, and creating a vibrant new society that serves everyone, could then begin.

1.  Welcoming Mayor Bill DeBlasio

I couldn’t be happier with the incoming Mayor, a breath of fresh air, and a renewed opportunity for NYC to have full potential for everyone.  Mayor-Elect DeBlasio is trained, prepared, vigorous, and all of us should be ready to do our part to make these eight yearsthe best yet.  And what a perfect First-Family they are.  We’re with you, Bill!

2.  Welcoming Our Elected Dems

Pretty much a broad sweep for the Democratic Party in NYC, with top leadership in City-wide and Borough Presidents offices, and a strong contingent in the NYC City Council.  I know many of them, and they do represent a most positive future vision for NYC.  Be assured, they will make a difference!

3.  Gracie Mansion Is Not For Sale

Yes, some development jerks are now suggesting that Gracie Mansion should be put up for sale. Whether Mayor-Elect DeBlasio decides to reside there or not, it’s a most significant NYC historical site, and fully serves the people of New York for events, visits, pride, and as the “official home” of NYC Mayors, and it must remain that way.

4. It’s Holiday Season

I know well the church-state separation issues, and we carry them too far when a store cannot have a Christmas Sale, and now only a Holiday Sale.  That’s only the very tip of the iceberg.  We can learn from each other when we publicly celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa and so forth, for
that really is the American Way.  So, let’s restore some sense to our country.

5. Christians Are Being Destroyed

The Muslim Middle East, in country upon country is ridding itself of its Christian communities, desecrating their churches, limiting their rights,
and in some cases, actually killing them, and generally forcing them out.  We experienced this years ago with Jewish communities in Arab countries. We must speak out, and make it stop!!

6. Must Comment on Obamacare

The intent of Obamacare may have been right in its 2,100 pages of the legislation amounting to 1/6 of our economy that was literally smashed through Congress. It appears to be badly conceived, and we don’t even know yet since the implementation has been a disaster to date. Washington can do better! Need I say more!

1.  Lest All Of Us Lose Our Liberty

Watching what has become standard and acceptable security safeguards in America today, you gotta believe that the radical Islamists are winning.  This is not the American Way of Life.  We need to start reversing the intrusions.  Paraphrasing Patrick Henry, “As for me, Let Me Lose My Life, Lest All of Us Lose Our Liberty.

2.  Charter Schools That Work

A shout out to Eva Moscowitz, who left the City Council to focus like a laser on education, setting up the Success Academy charter schools, which glowed again in their exemplary scores on recent Common Core tests.  It’s more than that, though, which I saw when I visited, the young students  are excited about learning, and about preparing themselves as contributing members of our American society.

3.  And Public Schools That Do Not Work

Let’s tell the truth, now.  The Common Core tests were a reality check for all New Yorkers, as the results were disappointingly low, notwithstanding that it has been explained that the tests were too rigid among other things. Instead of excuses, there needs to be a wholesale retooling of our public schools’ educational process.  The young people are not being prepared for success in life.

4.  Tax Breaks for the Rich, and Influential

It is bad enough that we read of rich real estate developers getting significant tax breaks, supposedly as incentives for building certain sites, but it is beyond the line when you see a company like Extell in its new West Side development comply with low-income requirements through a design concept that essentially segregates its poor from its rich through separate entrances, floors, and other facilities.

5.  Consequences for Those Who Do Wrong

It is not just about those running for office who have failed their public trust, it is also about other people who parade around under the cloak of do-good, and yet promote such things as destructive rap music for profit, and in a latest episode, promote a despicable You Tube video depicting a sex-tape with Harriet Tubman and her slave master.  Let’s hold them all accountable, for they impact our societal mores.

6.  A New Star on America’s Horizon:  Cory Booker

Cory Booker won the recent Democratic Primary, and in a few short weeks, will be New Jersey’s next United States Senator.  Newark became an urban center under his watch as Mayor, and I told him last week that I expect to see him giving the 2016 Democratic Convention’s keynote speech. A person who works with everyone, sound policy positions, charismatic, bright, what a future!  www.corybooker.com

1. Determining Progress in America

Recent US Supreme Court rulings raised the complex issues of determining when remedial actions of the past need be reevaluated in terms of current status in today’s world. Mixed evaluation about the decisions, open mind about the over-riding message.

2. NSA, and other Invasions of Privacy

It’s not so much about Snowden, it’s about the level of government intrusion in our lives, particularly when we citizens are unaware of it. Media focus is now on the actor, and we must redirect that so we not lose sight of the damaging intrusion on our privacy, balancing security and privacy, and necessary transparency. Congress and the President must act now.

3. A New Mayor for NYC

The Bloomberg Administration has brought a vision to NYC, in caring for our individual and collective health, in urban planning, in expansion of tourism, in creating NYC as a new media and hi-tech capital, and yes, in bicycling. We must hear more from the current candidates on their larger visions.

4. Time for Our Elected Officials to Shape Up

How can you not be disgusted with the apparent way in which too many elected officials hold their offices, as places of pure politics, and elitism, with their own self-serving rules of conduct. It’s time for that to end. Politics must again be a worthy profession of service for all.

5. The “China Dream” for the 21st Century

At a recent confab of 2,000 in NYC for promoting Hong Kong, the “China Dream” was raised by the speaker as the replacement for the “American Dream” in the 21st C. It was a wake-up call. America must ask, “What are we doing?” We must renew and expand our competitive edge in the world before it’s too late.

6. A New Star on America’s Horizon

Eric Garcetti was just inaugurated as the new Mayor of LA. I met him twice, and clearly he’s bright new star on America’s horizon. Watch him, he’s future Presidential potential.

1. Manned Space Flight, U.S. Style

Incredible that reportedly the U.S. is now paying Russia over $70 million per astronaut launched for us to the International Space Station, and that’s over /$490/ million for the next seven this year. That’s real U.S. cash, our money. Congress cut funding for our own vehicle, so we are dependent on other nations. Shout out to Congress and the President, “Do something, give the U.S. our own space access again, and now!”

2. N.Y. Museums, What a Treasure

Recent negative commentaries on the Metropolitan Museum Of Art and the 9-11 Museum for charging admission are misplaced. MMA is voluntary and I would prefer that the 9-11 would make it voluntary as well. Fact is, NY is fortunate to have world-class museums, and to also have dreamers who knew New York commands excellence. The $$ are needed to support the institutions, so stop complaining, and be part of those who work hard to make it happen.

3. GUNS, It’s Not Just Legislation

Let’s just accept, for a moment, that we may not get the gun legislation we want, and yet we must do something. Legislation and regulation are not the only way. We can bring change through transforming values of our society. I have noticed that today’s hip art has guns, video games have guns, and our top money-making movies are gun thrillers. That’s absurd. So, let’s shift today’s thinking! Let’s make it not cool to have a gun!

4. The Economic Divide

in the past few years, where wealth has increased dramatically among the wealthy, too many in nearby neighborhoods are struggling to make their minimal budget needs. This limits their life possibilities, and most particularly their children’s. And it’s not about taxing and government programs, we can do much more in the private sector. Be aware, look around, and personally lift up a child or family. Inexcusable if you can, and don’t, and a gift, a mitzvah, if you do. Start today!

5. Upbeat, and You Can Do It

You can make a difference in the life, and moment, of Everyone you touch. Be responsible for it, and make it upbeat. People actually have a choice of making others happy, or miserable, and somehow too many decide it serves them to choose miserable. Let’s shift the world now, and every time you have that choice, shout out for joy and wonderment, and see the brightest world around you, and as it spreads, that brightest of worlds surrounding all of us.

6. Technology, Adopt It

For many of us, technology is a learning curve and not intuitive, and we resist it. The world shift we are living through is exciting, not without risks, and yet as we see the possibility of communicating with even the remotest villages, and have new opportunities for achievement, sometimes instantly, where no hope existed before, this is a new and extraordinary age. Be part of it, and for all those who are the intuitive crowd, reach out to encourage others who are just entering, yet have not yet arrived.

1. Empower BP

Let’s put the Borough President Office in NYC in a stronger position, and set our expectations higher. The 2013 races for BP offer an opportunity for change, and we must seize it. I call it Empower BP.

2. Survival of the Lion in the Wild

t’s nearing midnight for the lion, as disease, trophy hunting (many by American hunters), killing for parts (for medicinal remedies), among other things are putting lions’ survival in the wild in extraordinary jeopardy.

3. America’s Children.

President Obama voiced in his comments at Newtown High a larger issue, which he commented that he had reflected on in those few days, whether we are doing enough for our children, his reference being larger than just guns. His answer was no. I most heartily agree.

4. Drugs in America

Prescription drugs in America have become one of our major killers these days, and as much good as many do, side effects and wrongful use are harming too many in this country. And Oxycotin must be kept out of the hands of the young people of America.

5. Just Say NO to Drones in NYC

Article in NYPost of black drone sighted near Kennedy Airport. We have a choice, the Mayoral candidates must be asked, and we must speak out, “no drones in NYC, not for domestic surveillance, and no slippery slope to any future collateral damage.

6. ONE PERCENT FOR CULTURE

NYC now allocates 1/4 of 1% of its budget to cultural institutions. They are the fabric of our society, for all of its citizens, and add to our urban life. It is the first thing to be cut in tough budget times, and the last to be added when money is available.

This is a bit of a catch-up. The past year (I still think in terms of School Year, since last September) has been monumental for me, as I have accomplished what I set out to achieve (with lots of time invested and lots of work). For that, I am delighted, actually quite thrilled. I could not have made any of it happen without teams of leaders who joined together with me, out of a common commitment in each case.

September 11 was significant to me, as many of you know, as I spent the first days in the staging areas of Ground Zero, and as a result, years with fragile health. I am so thankful every day, now that I am back to 100%. So, putting together a 9-11 Sunrise Ceremony on the 10th Anniversary in The Batteryt was not only a completion for me, it was a recognition of so many incredible people who gave of their lives to help us all recover from the devastation of 9-11. And NYC has made it back. And what a team it was from Downtown who made this Sunrise Ceremony a most memorable event. You can see the tape under Videos on this website.

Last September I also took on the Chairmanship of the Arts Horizons’ Leroy Neiman Center in Harlem, an organization that uplifts children’s life experience through the visual arts. We created a great Council of Advisors, and together with a most extraordinary person who is the Executive Director of the Center, we built the effort towards bringing LNAC into being of service to the Mainstream of the Greater Harlem community, and we succeeded. Take a look on the LNAC Art Splash website, www.neimancenterevents.com, or click on LNAC on my Organization page, and you will learn more about the Center, and get a view of our terrific Art Splash event in June. We are now starting the preparation for Art Splash 2 in September, 2012.

Last Summer my NDD co-chair and friend, Tom Acosta and I put great effort into revitalizing the Board of New Democratic Dimensions, a civic/ political organization I founded thrity years ago. Well, we succeeded, and the line of programming including our Ambassador Club meetings with International diplomats, and our Mayoral Series, have been exceptional, and most promising for the future of the organization during its next thirty years.

My commitment to the human rights of all people was directed to the treatment of Christians in Iraq, as a dialogue group of Evangelic Christians and the New York Board of Rabbis, of which I am on its Advisory Board, met on several occasions with the Iraq UN Ambassador to express our concern, and look for greater understanding of the issue, and to explore the possibility of making a difference for the Iraqi Christian community. Clearly this is a very difficult, and expanding issue, in the Islamic countries of the Middle East.

An interesting outgrowth of the Evangelic Dialogue was my meeting Paul deVries, director of the NY Divinity School. I wrote a published article commenting on the book, Kosher Jesus, by Shmuley Boteach with my thoughts on Jesus, and then Paul wrote an article commenting on the book and my article, and we then had two dueling articles on Jesus published in a Christian media outlet. You can read the articles in the Writing section in my Website.

And after several delays, the 3I Council on Human Rights which I co-chair with Brian O’Dwyer and Randy Mastro, had a wonderfuil event in March at the Irish-American Historical Society three NY media legends, Juliet Papa of WINS, Gabe Pressman of WNBC, and Mary Murphy of WPIX, representing the Italian, Jewish and Irish communities.

For the first time, I performed in a play, actually a reading of an extraordinary play by Fred Newman, co-Founder of the All Stars Project with Lenora Fulani. I had the good fortune to meet and speak with Fred on several occasions, and wanted to participate in this 24-hour marathon tribute to him after his death this past year. NHot only did I learn to “see” through someone else’s eyes as I prepared for my charcter, I learned to be someone I am not, with passion for the part, for that was my role, and I was told I was pretty amazing in the role. A break-out for me, and I really enjoyed it.

I am ever-conscious of legacy and filling vacuums, and when I chaired JHNY I realized that the Jewish community of New York, with all its institutions, had not effectively recorded its history in NYC, one of the greatest civilizations in the entire history of our Jewish people. So, after seeing Queens and Staten Island start-up while I was chairing JHNY, once leaving the position, I was still determined to get this project done. So, several years ago I set out to establish a Brooklyn Jewish Historical society, and we created BKHI. The “we” is the most extraordinary team, from Brooklyn BP Marty Markowitz, who I first reached out to, to Councilman Michael Nelson, who gave us the necessary seed funding, to Deborah Schwartz, director of the Brooklyn Historical Society, who co-chairs the Initiative with me, and the amazing people who have been at every meeting and so committed to making it happen. We launched a first-ever website in June, and with great thanks to Paco Levine, a terrific web-designer who has done my website as well. You must go to www.brooklynjewish.org, or go to my Organization page and check on the Logo. Manhattan is next, and I have spoken to Manhattan BP Scott Stringer, and the first meeting is tentatively set for the end of July.

Yes, in between I did have time for my professional career, and to make a living, and that’s a different blog for a different time. As is my participation on the Board of the National Museum of the American Indian, on the Advisory Board of the Association on American Indian Affairs, the Board of Ecominga, and my involvement with the All Stars Project, among other things.

Now, I am back to running and exercise, feeling great, and even expecting to take some time off. To me, it is Summer vacation (truly, I have never outgrown this system). And I also expect to make a lot of time to spend with people, one-on-one, and not just in planning for events and in groups. So, if you are reading this, and we haven’t gotten together for a while, now’s the time.

And you might want to stay tuned to my Blog, as I will be putting up pieces I wrote about my experience of these events, and I will be writing now on a continual basis about my points of view, that I want to write to create discussion. And take a look at my Events Page during the Summer, as I plan to have a major schedule of activities this Fall, 2012, and do hope you will be at some of them.

Cannot believe this will be my first blog., my first bit of HT “wisdom.”  It’s a little story, just happened last Saturday night on a day-trip to Baltimore.

Train scheduled to leave at 10:46 PM (I actually thought it was 10:30 PM until…  well, you’ll see until when).  And I don’t want to miss it, so I leave the Convention Center, from a gathering I am at, in plenty of time, at 9:20 PM.

It was with so much time that I decided to take the Light Rail instead of the taxi.  It was convenient, literally door-to-door (except this time), certain to arrive (as the last time I took a taxi from there to Penn Station we ran into terrible traffic, it took forever), and infinitely less expensive (nothing like saving $10).

Here’s the thing.  I hopped on the Light Rail going the wrong way (Southbound rather than Northbound, never considering asking, as I had absolute certainty).  By the time I asked, and then immediately got off, it was next to the last stop (the wrong way), and it was 9:45 PM, and in the middle of nowhere with only the choice of a Northbound Light Rail (as there were now no taxis where I was).

As I looked at the posted timetable, the next Rail was 10:02 PM, arriving at Penn Station, Baltimore at 10:30 PM.  It now became a matter of a wish and a hope, wishing the Rail would be on time, and hoping that my Train to New York would be delayed two minutes so I could run from one to another.

An aside, as if the entire story is not one.  So, I am waiting for the Rail in the middle of nowhere, and after a few minutes, approached by a clearly drunk man wanting something, what I didn’t know but not willing to find out.  So, I went first, ranting, “Just went the wrong way on the Rail, about to miss my Train, waiting out here, you really don’t want to bother me,” in a tone you can imagine, and with an attitude you can also imagine.  This man immediately walked away, and didn’t come close to bothering me again.

Back to the story.  Rail arrives right on time, at 10:02 PM, I get on, and now smarten up (or so I thought at the time).  Looked at my Train ticket, and to my delight, it was scheduled to depart at 10:46 PM, not 10:30 PM.  Got it wrapped now.  Then asked this wonderful older African-American man, first whether I am on the Rail heading to Penn Station, then where do I get off.

He shows me a chart, hung on the wall of the Rail, of all the stops, and I had about eight left to Penn Station (so I thought).  Didn’t notice that Penn Station was listed up there, and not a stop, until I push the yellow strip signaling that I wanted to get out at the next stop, and it stops one stop after Penn Station.( you see, as it turned out, you had to get out one stop before Penn Station, and walk from there).

So, here I am, one stop away, about two minutes to go, and determined still that I would make it.  I asked some young people there on the street, how can I get to Penn Station by hoofing it, so I was given directions that it’s about eight blocks, through Downtown, and off I start running (figured that if I could three NY Marathons, I could do eight blocks and make a Train)..  You got to see this, nearly 10:40, running in downtown Baltimore

Areas that I realize that I shouldn’t be doing this in..  Solicited only a couple of times as I am running, nearly out of breath, four blocks to go, 10:45 PM, and  a taxi waiting at the red light just ahead of me, with it just about to turn green.

This is my best effort at what clearly was a lost cause, so I reach it just as it’s about to go, hop in, tell the Driver “Penn Station,” and see it’s clear sailing.  Fare was $2.10, give him a $5 bill (and can you believe I take the time to get $2 change).  Out I jump at Penn Station, dash exactly in the wrong direction, ask a man where the NY Train would be, he points over to the Counter Information Desk.  I dash, ask the Information Man, see on the clock it’s 10:50 PM (yes, 10 minutes before 11 PM for a Train that was to leave 14 minutes before 11 PM), and he says Gate 6.

Incredibly, I take the time to say, “you mean it hasn’t left”, and off I run, across the waiting room, down the stairs, and amazingly, with time to spare (nothing like a Train that’s late on its schedule, I hop on.

So, off I went on my Train to New York Penn Station, as scheduled.

What lessons do I take from this?  Well, I am taking a look at it, and I want you to, as well, and share your thoughts so we can all learn together.  Certainly many take-aways for me, and I suspect we can all learn from it (sort of like a modern-day Aesop’s Fables).

I will start with undoubtedly the most positive, “always go for it, and know you will make it happen, even against all logical odds” (putting aside the stupidity of what I had done).

I want to hear from all of you.  This blogging is new for me.  You’re now part of the experiment.