This is an experiment. I’m going to start each work day this week by enumerating 7 good things going on in the world, and 7 good things going on in my personal life.

MONDAY 2/6 – IN THE WORLD

1. There’s a planned Philly rally this week for Jewish & Muslim youth who want to support each other during these times.
2. HIAS is working hard to help refugees.
3. There’s a renewed appreciation and level of support for independent journalism.
4. Millions of people openly express their opposition to Trump & his policies daily.
5. Rev. William Barber is doing inspiring work.
6. Other liberal democracies are stepping up to lead with good values even though Trump is not.
7. Indivisible is making an effort to resist in an organized way.

MONDAY 2/6 – IN MY PERSONAL LIFE

1. Melissa loves me.
2. Sparky is my dog.
3. I’m working for a progressive religious movement.
4. The days are getting longer.
5. My son has new shoes.
6. Sherry Diamond is caring and helpful.
7. Trader Joe’s frozen entrees are delicious.

 

Oh well, I didn’t do it for 3 days. But I might as well try again.

FRIDAY 2/10 – IN MY PERSONAL LIFE

1. Mr. Fleury is a great teacher and mentor for my son.
2. I am appreciated at my work place.
3. I have a warm safe place to live.
4. I get invited to Shabbat dinner at friends’ homes.
5. Many people care about me.
6. I can be very, very funny.
7. I have an exciting book I’m getting closer to finishing.

FRIDAY 2/10 – IN THE WORLD

1. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals firmly rejected Trump’s Muslim travel ban.
2. I’m hearing that Republicans are getting inundated with cards, calls, emails, and other messages from progressives.
3. All the Senate Democrats voted as a bloc against DeVos’ confirmation, and with 2 Republicans forced the VP to have to cast a tie-breaking vote.
4. There are some Israelis and Palestinians who are working together to aid Syrian refugee children currently living in shelters on the Greek isle of Lesbos.
5. It’s possible that Trump’s administration will screw lots of things up in a way that backfires bigly against their authoritarian and alt-right backers. I don’t know if it’s merely possible, or if it’s probable, or unlikely but still possible – but I do know that the chances of it are non-zero.
6. California, Oregon, and Washington state are really emerging as a regional block that is organized around a progressive vision of America.
7. Many Jewish-American organizations came out strong against the “Regularization Bill” passed by the right wingers in the Knesset earlier this week.