There is an old cartoon where two vultures are sitting on a phone wire when one turns to the other and says: “To hell with patience, I’m going to kill something!”
This recent explosion of anti-Semitic activity, including the destruction of a Jewish cemetery right here in Philadelphia reminds me of that vulture. You see, as a psychologist and meditation teacher, I know that this situation requires compassion, understanding and education. I know that’s the only way to heal all of the “isms” that seem to be everywhere these days.
I know one day I will continue to advocate peaceful and relentless protest as an act of love for those who suffer. One day soon I will again teach kindness and help to develop the courage it takes to find compassion. One day soon that will happen
But today I will nurture my violent fantasies about those who practice hatred, those who preach hatred from the pulpit or from the oval office. I will nurture my anger at my Jewish friends who voted for this person in the White House. I think of them pulling the lever as I look at those desecrated tombstones with Jewish names on them.
Just for today, I will pay homage to my own hatred.
drdangottlieb1946@gmail.com