Some Program Notes--As The Title Says--and a few afterthoughts

PURIM ON SUNDAY SIMCHA:


The most joyous of Jewish holidays will be commemorated and celebrated on the program of March 4---the actual day of Purim. The picture is a classic of Queen Esther and Mordechai. I am certain that most of you know the story of Purim and how Esther foiled the evil Haman and had become a Queen. So---get your "greggers" out (I, as it turned out did not have one---but made noise anyway--you will see if you listen). We have a few surprises on the program and lots of music to celebrated the holiday. Remember March 4. 10 AM Eastern Time---and on the web of course.

The week after is the program that comes just before St. Patrick's Day. Now, you may say---so what. Well---on March 17 we are all--at least in the NY /NJ /CT area Irish. Self deprecating humor is a standard of Jewish humor. Since we are all Irish that day---well, tune in and see what is planned. Always remember---a laugh a day keeps one healthy---this one will keep you healthy for weeks to come. Either that or your condition is going to need much work---the doctor, as Lucy in Charlie Brown says, is in.




A More Important Topic:

Many of you have, surely, seen the various interviews and documentaries by and about Bob Woodruff.

Thankfully he has survived and seems on the road to a full recovery. The interview on NPR today with him and his wife---and her feelings was wonderful. www.npr.org/freshair Allow me, at this time, a few comments that relate to this subject. Aside from the joy of a good recovery, some things always seem to be left unsaid.

Bob Woodruff, and I believe he will be the first to say so, received treatment far and above what the average GI receives. ABC, his medical insurance, and notoriety surely kicked in.

This is not to denigrate the V A, but rather the Dept of Defense (DOD). Whereas the DOD admits to some number of casualties they do not include many of the injuries and the VA is treating them in the facilities in some more major areas. It is admitted that smaller units or areas do not have the facilities for this

This brings one to the scandal at Walter Reed Hospital.

Our pride and joy of a major military medical facility that, as it turns out, is warehousing injured veterans in--to put it mildly--less than humane conditions. Our leaders receive first rate care there. It is a wonderful facility. How is it possible that our people, who have been sent into "harms way" (and been harmed) do not receive the same.

Unfortunately we are always talking of the consequences of these sad matters. We talk of how to alleviate them. What is lost is what got us into this---as Laurel said to Hardy---"fine mess we are in".

One person --well, perhaps two-- who never, to my mind had the authority to do it---but fabricated things. Freud would have had a field day with Geo. W. The father--agree or disagree---diplomatic. The son---you fill it in.

Think of this---Rumsfeld as Secty of Defense. Bush the elder---despised him for good reason. Bush the elder knew when to stop. He knew the differences ( I believe) between the Shiites and Sunnis. This is our problem---lack of understanding, lies, and the stubborness of a recovering drinker. One who some people mistakenly believe knows what the ---hell---he is doing.

Back to Woodfuff. He survived. Many are maimed and the people conducting this ill advised fiasco never served in any unit---JFK did, HST did, DDE did--they knew the risks and importance. GWB and DC know how to avoid service, make money, and pontificate about other people's lives.

Now back to your regular program.

Sorry to have usurped the bandwidth for some personal pontification but I have to say that this may be one of the only outlets that this can be said---unless PBS wants to hire me.

We will try to stick to "folk" in the future. I also believe that people who love "folk" and topical material as I do will also feel a connection to my comments.