“I can honestly say that I was never affected by the questions of the success of an undertaking. If I felt it was the right thing to do, I was for it regardless of the possible outcome.” -Golda Meir, former Israeli Prime Minister.
Earlier this year, I was fortunate to help create a new organization known as Stop Antisemitism Colorado. I was motivated to engage in this effort because I had witnessed a proliferation in antisemitism rising on the far left of the political spectrum. While the far right had been the historic agitators and torch carriers shouting Jew hatred, this rise in antisemitism from the far left was a real source of personal anguish. The June 25th primary results proved to be very rewarding to those of us desiring a political shift back to decency and moderation, as all four races that the organization was tracking resulted in victory. June 25th saw Sean Camacho (House District 6); Cecelia Espenoza (House District 4); Michael Carter (House District 36); and Representative Judy Amabile (Senate District 18) all winning their primary elections. This was a full repudiation of the far left vitriol and push towards moderation in the Democratic party in Colorado. These are four really substantial people who are eager to find common ground and bring moderation back to public life.
I am just completing the book Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia. It’s a detailed analysis of how medicine needs to continue to evolve and allow us an opportunity to live better for longer, not just longer. And, within the rather dense book (not easy reading!) is a message of moderation. Moderation in how we go about our daily life in terms of nutrition, exercise and stressful activity. The timing of my reading this book and the amazing complexities of our political world are not a coincidence. Turning on the “news” or logging onto social media these days is not for the faint of heart. It is polarizing. It is grandstanding. It is mean and angry. Frankly, it’s embarrassing and it’s disappointing to see the wedge in our society created by extremism. We need to find common ground.
After the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018, I wrote the following on social media:
“I dropped Bo off this morning for Religious School at our synagogue. It was not a typical morning. I did my best not to cry, but seeing the police cars in the lot and circling the facility brought everything home…too close to home. I am really pissed off. Typical reactions from politicians… Well, for me, I am doubling down on goodness and great people. I am going to think long and hard about how I approach changing things in America. Being kind starts with each of us, I will do my best to be better, more thoughtful, more patient and kind. I will not support people who don’t share this core value of kindness. I will work against people who routinely prove that they are too afraid to be kind and to stand up to bullies. Stand up now! Be counted! I am watching!!”
So, today, again, I vow to support good and kind people who seek common ground and moderation, in politics and life. And stand up to bullies. This means that in doing so, I will make some people unhappy or question historic allegiances. But, if I believe it to be the right thing to do, the outcome is less concerning. I am still convinced we can leave our children a future of hope and promise, but our opportunities to ensure this future are surely dwindling.
It is my ongoing belief that the people of FGMC are also committed to this standard. It continues to be some of the secret sauce of this enduring law firm.
