Twenty-five years ago, when my younger son Michael was five years old, I started telling him a series of original bedtime stories called “They Just Didn’t Listen.”
It’s seems to me more important now than ever that truth supported by data should be written and then let the reader or the editorial in the case of a newspapers decide on the morality of the data presented.
If it’s fiction that’s another story-go wild. We can choose not to read it!
David, it's been a long time since any of us has been able to vote for a politician With unbridled enthusiasm. Mamdani obviously crossed some sort of red line for you. Are you clear on what that red line specifically was? From my perspective, the mayor of New York has such limited power that they are likely unable to influence events much for good or evil. I hypothesize that you are suffering from MDS— Mamdani Derangement Syndrome, expecting that he will accomplish some great evil, when he has much less capacity to do so than our non-beloved President.
Well said. I do not live in NYC (I used to) and the people of NYC have voted. For now we should respect that choice and let Mamdani show us what he can do (or not do).
And give up the gratuitous pleasure of dramatic hand-wringing while muttering "..Yes, but what if?"
NYC Mayors run Sanitation and Water. And try their hands at rat control. But throw in some anti-Muslim and anti-Socialist hysteria, and somehow it's the end of the world.
Totally agree Kathleen from Canada. Mamdani will have little effect on US foreign policy. He has his hands full in NYC. His policies would sit comfortably among the mainstream in Canada. 40 million people live below the poverty line in the richest country in the world. I don’t understand how raising somebody up takes anything away from somebody else.
I am clear on the red line. As I said it has to do with my Jewish identity. But now that the election is over, I hope ZM does a great job for NYC. My entire family are lifelong New Yorkers, about 20 of us, including my married children's in-laws. My NYC identity is up there with my Jewish and American identities.
And how specifically is ZM a threat to Jewish identity? Is it simply the fact that someone with his ethnic identity and pro-Palestinian views could not have dreamed of becoming a successful politician in NYC in past decades? Quite frankly I think that Cuomo as an old-fashioned American style alpha male was a far greater threat to women's identity.
If ZM's rise emboldens anti-Semitic language and behavior, that should be jumped on hard and fast.
PS: I lived in Manhattan for 11 years, with the last two as a cab driver. 1968-1982.
I like this piece very much, and I admire the goal. But I have to say I find that even when one is reasonable and good-natured and open those who are committed to their truth don’t and won’t try to understand. Perhaps if you already have a warm relationship—as with your brother—it’s different, because there is the presumption of good will and trust. But on facebook and substack, my experience is very, very different. (By the way, have I told you lately how much I appreciate you?)
Unfortunately, people online don’t tent to hold back with rude, unkind and disrespectful behavior. I don’t feel like there’s much true intellectual discourse, unless you are face to face. And even that is fraught with peril these days. Take good care ✨
"My moral ambition is that I should not slip the bonds of humility and justice in my actions, conversations, or writings." We should all aspire to this. I'm so happy for the conversation with your brother. Although I am neither Jewish nor a New Yorker, Mamdani makes me feel hopeful. So do you.
Love the theory of two identities! I explored that in the essay on Creator I wrote sometime back. It explores the idea of a new social class - and it is true that who we are online is a performative side even if true to us!
Dorian Gray is a perfect example of pre-internet egoic bifurcation. Yet more evidence that social media heightens existing psychological phenomena over inventing new (this is the piece in which I first conceived the term: https://joukovsky.substack.com/p/the-theory-of-the-leisure-class-on)
Now, personally I think what will happen is he will flame out managerially, because what he wants to do requires the suspension of civil liberties (most effective at the point of a gun) and that wont happen, so I dont seem any of his ideas succeeding.
I am not Jewish but I am Jewish adjacent in personal history, friendships and values and this is all very concerning for the Jewish people. I think this is interesting, and I hate to see what is happening in Canada: https://chrisbray.substack.com/p/when-jews-fight-they-survive
In Zohran Mamdani's speech at the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) Winter Conference on February 27, 2021, he implicitly allows that his/their goal is to seize the means of production. In his Mayoral bid he is not so explicit, but all his ideas are classic socialist tropes, that simply don't work in a free society. They will ALL fail, one by one, and cost s shitload of money in the process. If he were to be successful in fully implementing them, he would have to force it on people, using coercive techniques, that ultimately mean loss of civil liberties that the outside state wont allow. So it wont happen, but wherever these projects ARE implemented it is always by force. See: Castro, Fidel.
Anything provided by the government free at the point of service is socialist? Do you consider universal free enrollment in public schools to be a socialist policy? What about when you update your address at the DMV -- should a fee be charged for the service?
I just visited Nantes in France where public transport is free on weekends and holidays.. i must have missed the starving population and heavy police presence..
I consider myself to be Judeo-Christian and share most of the same values, priorities and outlook at the Jewish people. I was raised in and among Jews in Montreal.
All Christians faiths are based on Judeo-Christian beliefs.. that never stopped catholics and other Christian denominations from doing harm to Jews and each other. Religion in history is at the root of most evil unfortunately.
Our new mayor rode ethnic divisions to prominence, for sure, but that was then and this is now. My bet is he'll try to be the best mayor he can be, not the best partisan for his heritage. We all mature -- heaven help me if I still promulgated my politics when I was in my twenties! This guy offered hope -- the other two offered wilted lettuce and petrified promise. Your bro did the right thing, IMO, and you will be surprised and pleased with the result, I'll bet. And if I'm wrong, no surprise there! Thanks for the thoughts. C
David, I believe this is among my top five favorites, of your articles. The ones I’ve read, I mean.
First, the original stories for your son. It touched my heart and reminded me of the stories I’d tell my three young children “Cindy, Mindy and Bob.” (In which one of the fictitious children behaved poorly, in similar manner to something one of my children had, only with big, exaggerated, disastrous outcomes. Then the other two children would save the day.
Second, I appreciate your authenticity, honesty and self-reflection. Your reiteration of the Dorian Grey novel reminded me of a difficult time in my own life, during which I tried (unsuccessfully) to live a secret life of debauchery ( during which I met a handsome man whose name was for-real Dorian Grey. I made him show me his drivers license. I should have respected the very obvious and clear sign I was getting.) Unfortunately I tripped naively down the path of my so-called secret life (which, as it turned out, was not as secret as I’d thought) while also maintaining my public life of service to others and high moral standards. You cannot serve two masters.
Finally, I like that you always include a question for the comments, which we sometimes answer and sometimes ignore.
Today’s particular question has me deep in thought.
I’ll ponder, with deep gratitude for your time and talent.
If someone is a REAL human, he should have far far more than "two" faces/feelings. If not, one is nearly dead.
<< My moral ambition is that I should not slip the bonds of humility and justice in my actions, conversations, or writings. >> Many of those who landed in gas chambers or got raped, slaughtered, abused, captured, killed on 2023 10 07 by Mamdanis friends and fans, had the same attitude.
Those peacefully tuned Israelis had been sitting much over the years with their "friends" from "Gaza" and letting them know everything about their homes so that they could eagerly report it to Hamas so that they knew which dogs to kill and where to break in. Those so called "Palestinians" were very "friendly" with a nice tone just as you with your brother. Their "morals" are very clear and precise.
Maybe you should write or read books about `Tapiyya´instead Oscar Wilde.
I did see it. I have to say I preferred the book. Sarah Snook was an amazing actress in an athletic sense but my ears could not keep up with her voice and I did not like the interposing of all the screens. Thanks as always for the comment, Jason.
Nice piece, Brother. In response to your question, I think back to Nabokov, who claimed that art, the sole duty of which was to provide "aesthetic bliss," was ALWAYS moral... but never moralistic. (By art, Nabokov meant creative prose or poetry that did in fact produce bliss in its readers). I agree with him.
I love the shivers up the spine that literature can produce although I've come to think that you can have both the aesthetic bliss" and a moral message.
I agree that many have two personalities. One in social media and one “in real life” - although I try not to be extreme in my social media writings and posts, I admit that when I am in “private” groups where people have similar political views, it is easier to be more open about my views, however, I still try to consider how I would feel if these comments were posted for all to see and that usually tempers any possible overly “sharp” commentary.. anyway, very good points. I too, am disappointed that Mamdani won. As a resident of IL, I’ve seen what a progressive mayor can do to a city (Chicago) although Mamdami is more stealthy and much better spoken than Mayor Johnson. And you make good points about your concerns as Jew. I listened to Chris Cuomo’s podcast yesterday and he had some very interesting points to make. Worth a listen.
I have been struggling with something not unlike this, although not political. I allowed myself to be sucked into reading a couple of posts here on Substack on subjects that I’d usually avoid, and I have been angry about them (possibly a little irrationally) since then, and have wanted to release that back into this space. I have half written angry comments and angry posts to challenge - but, for the reason that I am here to enjoy this space and to share joy, I have held back. My internal reaction is outraged, but outrage and controversy are not what I enjoy or would choose to share, so I am looking for a different way to share how I feel that doesn’t attack what others have written. Ironically, one of the post felt like an attack on another writer, and an attempt to elevate themselves by dragging the other down, and so, I will not sink to this same level. I enjoyed reading your post, David, as always, full of nuance and consideration for your fellow humans.
Thanks Emily. Time can and usually does have a coping effect on outrage. Im not always able to resist my impulses and depending on the medium sometimes I don't regret the lack of resistance. I got very angry when a writer essentially called another writer "fat" by referencing his "high BMI." I called it out and I'm glad I did.
Time definitely helps - although there are lines that are clear and shouldn’t be crossed - mentioning someone’s BMI is such a personal and unnecessary reference that deserves calling out. Thank you for your thoughts - they’ve given me more to think about.
Your "stories" remind me of an incident with our oldest son Benjamin when he was a little younger than your son.
Jeannete had been "homeschooling" him about crossing busy roads
So, upon seeing a road killed skunk, he turned to her and remarked, "He should a listened to his mudda"
Thanks Jonathan. very cute.
It’s seems to me more important now than ever that truth supported by data should be written and then let the reader or the editorial in the case of a newspapers decide on the morality of the data presented.
If it’s fiction that’s another story-go wild. We can choose not to read it!
I guess what I’m saying is obvious.
David, it's been a long time since any of us has been able to vote for a politician With unbridled enthusiasm. Mamdani obviously crossed some sort of red line for you. Are you clear on what that red line specifically was? From my perspective, the mayor of New York has such limited power that they are likely unable to influence events much for good or evil. I hypothesize that you are suffering from MDS— Mamdani Derangement Syndrome, expecting that he will accomplish some great evil, when he has much less capacity to do so than our non-beloved President.
Well said. I do not live in NYC (I used to) and the people of NYC have voted. For now we should respect that choice and let Mamdani show us what he can do (or not do).
And give up the gratuitous pleasure of dramatic hand-wringing while muttering "..Yes, but what if?"
NYC Mayors run Sanitation and Water. And try their hands at rat control. But throw in some anti-Muslim and anti-Socialist hysteria, and somehow it's the end of the world.
Totally agree Kathleen from Canada. Mamdani will have little effect on US foreign policy. He has his hands full in NYC. His policies would sit comfortably among the mainstream in Canada. 40 million people live below the poverty line in the richest country in the world. I don’t understand how raising somebody up takes anything away from somebody else.
I am clear on the red line. As I said it has to do with my Jewish identity. But now that the election is over, I hope ZM does a great job for NYC. My entire family are lifelong New Yorkers, about 20 of us, including my married children's in-laws. My NYC identity is up there with my Jewish and American identities.
And how specifically is ZM a threat to Jewish identity? Is it simply the fact that someone with his ethnic identity and pro-Palestinian views could not have dreamed of becoming a successful politician in NYC in past decades? Quite frankly I think that Cuomo as an old-fashioned American style alpha male was a far greater threat to women's identity.
If ZM's rise emboldens anti-Semitic language and behavior, that should be jumped on hard and fast.
PS: I lived in Manhattan for 11 years, with the last two as a cab driver. 1968-1982.
I’d rather not get into it as I’ve moved past it and will hope for the best.
I like this piece very much, and I admire the goal. But I have to say I find that even when one is reasonable and good-natured and open those who are committed to their truth don’t and won’t try to understand. Perhaps if you already have a warm relationship—as with your brother—it’s different, because there is the presumption of good will and trust. But on facebook and substack, my experience is very, very different. (By the way, have I told you lately how much I appreciate you?)
Unfortunately, people online don’t tent to hold back with rude, unkind and disrespectful behavior. I don’t feel like there’s much true intellectual discourse, unless you are face to face. And even that is fraught with peril these days. Take good care ✨
Thanks Susan for the comment. Appreciation flows both ways!
"My moral ambition is that I should not slip the bonds of humility and justice in my actions, conversations, or writings." We should all aspire to this. I'm so happy for the conversation with your brother. Although I am neither Jewish nor a New Yorker, Mamdani makes me feel hopeful. So do you.
Thanks Liz.
Love the theory of two identities! I explored that in the essay on Creator I wrote sometime back. It explores the idea of a new social class - and it is true that who we are online is a performative side even if true to us!
Dorian Gray is a perfect example of pre-internet egoic bifurcation. Yet more evidence that social media heightens existing psychological phenomena over inventing new (this is the piece in which I first conceived the term: https://joukovsky.substack.com/p/the-theory-of-the-leisure-class-on)
Thanks Natasha. I have yet to see "Egoic Bifurcation" merch. Hats and t-shirts. Either conversation starters or enders.
Don’t tempt me!
Very good. Being consistent in your tone and messages across media (including real life) I think is important.
As to Mandami, this is who you are dealing with: https://substack.com/@breakfreewithkarenhunt/note/c-174882494
Now, personally I think what will happen is he will flame out managerially, because what he wants to do requires the suspension of civil liberties (most effective at the point of a gun) and that wont happen, so I dont seem any of his ideas succeeding.
I am not Jewish but I am Jewish adjacent in personal history, friendships and values and this is all very concerning for the Jewish people. I think this is interesting, and I hate to see what is happening in Canada: https://chrisbray.substack.com/p/when-jews-fight-they-survive
What exactly requires the suspension of civil liberties at the point of a gun?
In Zohran Mamdani's speech at the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) Winter Conference on February 27, 2021, he implicitly allows that his/their goal is to seize the means of production. In his Mayoral bid he is not so explicit, but all his ideas are classic socialist tropes, that simply don't work in a free society. They will ALL fail, one by one, and cost s shitload of money in the process. If he were to be successful in fully implementing them, he would have to force it on people, using coercive techniques, that ultimately mean loss of civil liberties that the outside state wont allow. So it wont happen, but wherever these projects ARE implemented it is always by force. See: Castro, Fidel.
I think you are being a tad dramatic. Socialism can work and has worked in the past. What Mamdani can or can not do is still up in the air.
Socialist economics (Marxism) has never succeeded and has only existed in some places by force (SIEZE the means of production is kind of clue).
Socialism and Marxism are different philosophies. Capitalism without some aspects of socialism has never worked..
"The goal of socialism is communism."--Vladimir Lenin
Where has socialism worked?
Most EU states
Buses free at point of service is a socialist trope?.....
Yes of course. 'Free' anything is a socialist trope, and is NET always more expensive due to inherent inefficiencies in public/monopolistic services.
Anything provided by the government free at the point of service is socialist? Do you consider universal free enrollment in public schools to be a socialist policy? What about when you update your address at the DMV -- should a fee be charged for the service?
Public schools aren't free. They are funded mostly by property taxes.
I just visited Nantes in France where public transport is free on weekends and holidays.. i must have missed the starving population and heavy police presence..
Did you ask any residents what their tax bills look like? Nothing is free except air (for now).
And what is „jew adjacent“? Your neighbor is jewish? Or you car parks next to a synagogue?
I consider myself to be Judeo-Christian and share most of the same values, priorities and outlook at the Jewish people. I was raised in and among Jews in Montreal.
All Christians faiths are based on Judeo-Christian beliefs.. that never stopped catholics and other Christian denominations from doing harm to Jews and each other. Religion in history is at the root of most evil unfortunately.
Sure and so what? I happen to align in a mostly secular way with the Jewish people.
I think Jewish adjacent is a perfectly fine term. Jews and Christian share the same bible up to the Gospels.
Our new mayor rode ethnic divisions to prominence, for sure, but that was then and this is now. My bet is he'll try to be the best mayor he can be, not the best partisan for his heritage. We all mature -- heaven help me if I still promulgated my politics when I was in my twenties! This guy offered hope -- the other two offered wilted lettuce and petrified promise. Your bro did the right thing, IMO, and you will be surprised and pleased with the result, I'll bet. And if I'm wrong, no surprise there! Thanks for the thoughts. C
David, I believe this is among my top five favorites, of your articles. The ones I’ve read, I mean.
First, the original stories for your son. It touched my heart and reminded me of the stories I’d tell my three young children “Cindy, Mindy and Bob.” (In which one of the fictitious children behaved poorly, in similar manner to something one of my children had, only with big, exaggerated, disastrous outcomes. Then the other two children would save the day.
Second, I appreciate your authenticity, honesty and self-reflection. Your reiteration of the Dorian Grey novel reminded me of a difficult time in my own life, during which I tried (unsuccessfully) to live a secret life of debauchery ( during which I met a handsome man whose name was for-real Dorian Grey. I made him show me his drivers license. I should have respected the very obvious and clear sign I was getting.) Unfortunately I tripped naively down the path of my so-called secret life (which, as it turned out, was not as secret as I’d thought) while also maintaining my public life of service to others and high moral standards. You cannot serve two masters.
Finally, I like that you always include a question for the comments, which we sometimes answer and sometimes ignore.
Today’s particular question has me deep in thought.
I’ll ponder, with deep gratitude for your time and talent.
Thanks Deborah. Your children must have loved those stories.
If someone is a REAL human, he should have far far more than "two" faces/feelings. If not, one is nearly dead.
<< My moral ambition is that I should not slip the bonds of humility and justice in my actions, conversations, or writings. >> Many of those who landed in gas chambers or got raped, slaughtered, abused, captured, killed on 2023 10 07 by Mamdanis friends and fans, had the same attitude.
Those peacefully tuned Israelis had been sitting much over the years with their "friends" from "Gaza" and letting them know everything about their homes so that they could eagerly report it to Hamas so that they knew which dogs to kill and where to break in. Those so called "Palestinians" were very "friendly" with a nice tone just as you with your brother. Their "morals" are very clear and precise.
Maybe you should write or read books about `Tapiyya´instead Oscar Wilde.
Loved this, as always David.
I wonder if you and Deborah got to see the Broadway adaptation of the book earlier this year with Sarah Snook? I wrote it up if you’re interested.
https://www.newyorkcartoons.com/p/portrait-of-the-critic-as-a-mucus
I did see it. I have to say I preferred the book. Sarah Snook was an amazing actress in an athletic sense but my ears could not keep up with her voice and I did not like the interposing of all the screens. Thanks as always for the comment, Jason.
Oh, nothing beats the book. Agreed on that front!
Wish I could listen in as you and your brother have a frank and respectful conversation about Mamdani.
Nice piece, Brother. In response to your question, I think back to Nabokov, who claimed that art, the sole duty of which was to provide "aesthetic bliss," was ALWAYS moral... but never moralistic. (By art, Nabokov meant creative prose or poetry that did in fact produce bliss in its readers). I agree with him.
I love the shivers up the spine that literature can produce although I've come to think that you can have both the aesthetic bliss" and a moral message.
I agree that many have two personalities. One in social media and one “in real life” - although I try not to be extreme in my social media writings and posts, I admit that when I am in “private” groups where people have similar political views, it is easier to be more open about my views, however, I still try to consider how I would feel if these comments were posted for all to see and that usually tempers any possible overly “sharp” commentary.. anyway, very good points. I too, am disappointed that Mamdani won. As a resident of IL, I’ve seen what a progressive mayor can do to a city (Chicago) although Mamdami is more stealthy and much better spoken than Mayor Johnson. And you make good points about your concerns as Jew. I listened to Chris Cuomo’s podcast yesterday and he had some very interesting points to make. Worth a listen.
Thanks Peggy. I will hope for the best. Some progressive mayors have been disasters but some have been effective.
I have been struggling with something not unlike this, although not political. I allowed myself to be sucked into reading a couple of posts here on Substack on subjects that I’d usually avoid, and I have been angry about them (possibly a little irrationally) since then, and have wanted to release that back into this space. I have half written angry comments and angry posts to challenge - but, for the reason that I am here to enjoy this space and to share joy, I have held back. My internal reaction is outraged, but outrage and controversy are not what I enjoy or would choose to share, so I am looking for a different way to share how I feel that doesn’t attack what others have written. Ironically, one of the post felt like an attack on another writer, and an attempt to elevate themselves by dragging the other down, and so, I will not sink to this same level. I enjoyed reading your post, David, as always, full of nuance and consideration for your fellow humans.
Thanks Emily. Time can and usually does have a coping effect on outrage. Im not always able to resist my impulses and depending on the medium sometimes I don't regret the lack of resistance. I got very angry when a writer essentially called another writer "fat" by referencing his "high BMI." I called it out and I'm glad I did.
Time definitely helps - although there are lines that are clear and shouldn’t be crossed - mentioning someone’s BMI is such a personal and unnecessary reference that deserves calling out. Thank you for your thoughts - they’ve given me more to think about.