Day after day, week after week now, we see the vile Hamas terrorist supporters acting out in public, screaming, cursing, threatening, blocking, harassing, burning flags, pushing, prodding, and violently attacking others (i.e., Zionists and Jews). In any normal situation, the police would be there protecting the innocent, stopping the harassment, and arresting the violent agitators. But these days, what do we see? The police seem to be doing virtually nothing to stop them.
April 7, 2024
The Canary in the Antisemitic Coal Mine
Day after day, week after week now, we see the vile Hamas terrorist supporters acting out in public, screaming, cursing, threatening, blocking, harassing, burning flags, pushing, prodding, and violently attacking others (i.e., Zionists and Jews). In any normal situation, the police would be there protecting the innocent, stopping the harassment, and arresting the violent agitators. But these days, what do we see? The police seem to be doing virtually nothing to stop them.
February 4, 2024
It Comes Down to Leadership
While surely all decent, patriotic American people want to see the United States continue as a beacon of freedom and leadership in the world, the problems this country is facing both internally and externally are wearing down our ability to cope with them. From our economy to our border and national security, from our universities to our urban centers, from radical wokeism to vile protests overcome with hate, racism, and violence, our nation is threatened perhaps like never before.
While there are many factors that contribute to our national success, certainly if we are going to be able to confront the challenges we face both at home and abroad, we must have strong and courageous leadership. Not only to unite us but also to evoke our very best, we need leadership that commands respect from both left and right, with a mighty and passionate vision that moves us not only to farseeing human progress but equally to moral righteousness. With this, we can instill pride in both who we are and where we are going and not be in fear of what’s threatening our streets or our shores anymore.
(AI generated Image via Craiyon)It Comes Down to Leadership
December 31, 2023
Preventing a Future October 7
Preventing a Future October 7
July 30, 2023
We're Not Prepared
Whether it is our inability to imagine what can happen, our disbelief in it actually occurring, or our ineffectiveness or corruption to really prepare, we may be in serious peril from future threats that invariably await us. When that earthquake that we know is overdue hits the west coast hard, or a nuclear ICBM from North Korea or Iran hits somewhere in our mainland, or the next bio-weapon from China strikes our masses, or Russia cripples our satellites and Internet with one of their hidden Trojans or a zero-day cyber-attack, we can all shake our heads in utter disbelief again at how unprepared we are for the "next one."
Certainly, no one is invulnerable to tragedy, no preparation will ever be perfect, and we can never get everything right in responding to and recovering when disaster strikes, but if we don't stop the endless denial and infighting, allocate our limited resources with foresight and good cause, and make a determined and continued effort to get ready for what we know with virtual certainty looms large and threatens us, then we are unfortunately complicit in the tragic downfall that awaits.
(Credit Photo: Hitesh Choudhary via https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-pouring-water-from-dipper-on-blue-and-grey-house-1739855/)
We're Not Prepared
March 26, 2023
The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed
Moreover, it’s not enough to just put up a show of some limited and hollow resistance; rather, when we do fight, it must be with our full determination to win. Unfortunately, too often we have gone in militarily with “shock and awe,” but turned abruptly tail in a politically wishy-washy “shame and retreat.” It’s high time to make U.S. deterrence mean something inescapably formidable once again.
(Source Photo via https://www.pexels.com/photo/soldiers-in-line-to-get-in-a-plane-54098/)
The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed
November 16, 2022
From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism
What is striking to me is that when it comes to hate against the Jews as opposed to hate against other groups, we continually see that “their” rights are immediately supported, while we have to prove that it’s really hate.Hopefully, our community leaders, police, FBI, and Homeland Security are paying close attention and will take appropriate preventive action so that we can avoid another incident like the shooting just four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We need more intelligence, surveillance, officers, patrols, data-driven policing, self-defense and emergency medical training, synagogue protection, community outreach, beefed-up reporting systems, and tougher penalties to start with. We can’t expect the people who hate to stop, but we do need to keep raising the bar on how to keep our communities safe and stop hate crimes.
(Credit Photo: Laura Rosenberg Hosid)
From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism
October 30, 2022
The U.N.’s Double Standard On Nukes
If only the United Nations would live up to its charter! Then we might truly have a world of tolerance and international peace and security.
Is the United Nations really about bringing the nations of the world together?
Or is it about casting the Jews to the wolves?
(Source Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-near-body-of-water-2244330/)
The U.N.’s Double Standard On Nukes
October 2, 2022
Worried About the Nukes?
Worried About the Nukes?
September 17, 2022
Putin’s Diabolical End Game
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Putin's Diabolical End Game."
(Source Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/huge-cooling-towers-in-nuclear-power-plant-4460676/)
Putin’s Diabolical End Game
February 14, 2022
Russia Wins This Hands Down
They have so intimidated Ukraine that Russia will be able to install a new government in Kyiv or just pull the strings on the puppets in place without ever firing a shot.
Moreover, Ukraine won't be considered by NATO for membership ever again knowing that Russia will go to the mat over it.
Scare tactics can work if you carry a big enough gun and have the gumption to hold it to your opponent's head! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Russia Wins This Hands Down
January 29, 2022
Goading The Bull In Ukraine
We need decisiveness, determination, not whining…no agreement will stop them. If you want to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.
These days, there is a similar situation with Russia and the U.S.’s threats over Ukraine: too much senseless political bantering and ultimatums that is only ratcheting up tension in the world. The result is that Russia’s ominous military machine including 100,000 troops have surrounded Ukraine (the 2nd largest country in Europe) on three sides and are poised to attack, yet there is a ridiculous song and dance being played out on the world stage In the end, the question is whose strategy will prove to be the winning one: Russia’s daunting finger on the trigger or even an actual devastating invasion of resource-rich Ukraine to try and safeguard their flank on Eastern Europe or the U.S. gambling that Russia will get mired in a no-win Afghan-like military foray that will bankrupt them financially and morally. As we await the answer to this, the world is learning to disregard and disrespect those that talk bull and goad the bull rather than decisively confronting the threat. We can’t afford the consequences to world peace and stability.
(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/trimmers-torero-bullfighters-sales-2314770/)
Goading The Bull In Ukraine
July 5, 2020
Targeting Israel: A Distraction From Real Threats
While the world unfortunately focuses again on Israel (a state the size of New Jersey), they continue to unfortunately be asleep at the wheel when Russia invaded Crimea and annexed it from a sovereign country of Ukraine in 2014, and again now in 2020 as China is taking critical steps that restrict freedom and human rights in Hong Kong.
The question is why we are constantly being diverted to blame and attack Israel and to not look at the real threats to world peace? Yet again, it’s another modern-day blood libel! While the superpowers play Risk with the world order, we should not be fooled by others trying to tell Israel what to do. Nothing should stop Israel from annexing the 30% of the West Bank under the Middle East Peace Plan that is vital to their lasting peace and security. Today is July 4th and the U.S. and Israel stand united in their commitment to that future.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Targeting Israel: A Distraction From Real Threats
December 7, 2019
Faith Chases Out The Fear
It’s interesting that faith and fear are incompatible and they cannot coexist. Where one is, the other is not. Just like the light chases away the darkness, so too does faith expel fear from our lives. When we believe that G-d is in charge of everything that happens, and that he loves us and ultimately wants what is good of us then what is there for us to fear?
No matter in what danger we find ourselves and no matter how scared we feel, we are not alone. The Master of the Universe is watching over us, waiting for us to raise our eyes to the heavens in faith, and to take a stand and do what’s right. If we do, then G-d will manifest himself to us and indeed “will carry, and will deliver” us.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Faith Chases Out The Fear
October 22, 2018
The Value of Pain
1) Pain is a warning of dangerous threats and helps safeguard us.
2) Pain that doesn't kill us makes us stronger!
3) Pain lets you know you ain't dead yet.
Then again, nothing wrong with a little pain relief. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Value of Pain
October 6, 2018
The DIVIDED States of America
- First under Obama.
- Then with the election between Hillary and Trump.
- And now over Judge Kavanaugh.
The result has been some of the worst behaviors seen since the Civil War--with not only disrespect, restrictions on freedom of expression, but even threats and actual violence!
This nation is no longer the UNITED States, but much more like the DIVIDED States.
And that just plays into our enemies hands and could lead us to eventually lose our very democracy to totalitarianism, dictatorship, and tyranny.
So now may be a good time to review for yourself how many biases are driving your thought processes and behaviors and creating dangerous fundamentalists and extremists all around us instead of thoughtful dialogue, negotiation, and compromise.
Here are 20 biases that may be affecting you more than you realize:
- Do you overestimate the importance of the information you have or feel good about (Anchoring, Availability, and Choice-Supportive Biases)?
- Do you seek out and perceive information that simply validates your preconceptions (Information,
Confirmation, and Selective Perception Bias)?
- Do you overemphasize information that is more recent or recognizable (Recency and Salience Biases)?
- Are you ignoring information that doesn't "fit your script" (Ostrich Effect/Omission and Conservatism Bias)?
- Are you tied up in the groupthink of your peers (Bandwagon Effect)?
- Do you see patterns in random events or conspiracies that don't exist (Clustering Illusion)?
- Are you overconfident in your thought process and conclusions (Overconfidence Bias)?
- Do you tend to overvalue the usefulness or success of something, but not recognize its limitations or failures (Pro-Innovation and Survivorship Bias)?
- Do you fail to take risks because you prefer certainty (Zero-Risk Bias)?
- Does your thinking something will happen actually cause it to happen (Placebo Effect)?
- Do you use the ends to justify the means (Outcome Bias)?
- Do you judge people by their race, class, gender, religion, sexual preferences, or national origin (Stereotyping)?
- Do you fail to recognize your own biases (Blind-Spot Bias)?
Perhaps if more people would open their minds to information and engage in genuine thinking and critical thinking, rather than a lot of fake news and hype, we would be a far better and stronger nation. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Business Insider)
The DIVIDED States of America
September 24, 2018
We Have Become Our Own Worst Enemies
Since 2008 and Obama's left-wing tilt followed by Hillary's election debacle and Donald Trump's upset win, what have we seen:
- Resistance
- Violent Marches
- Extremism From Nazis And ANTIFA
- Photos Of Decapitation
- Threats To Blow Up The White House
- Chasing Politicians From Restaurants
- Stealing Questions From Debates
- Secret Dossiers
- Smear Campaigns
- Special Counsels
- Sanctuary Cities
- Endless Challenges and Lawsuits
- Pay Freezes
- Government Shutdowns
- Stalled Legislation For Healthcare, Immigration, And more
- Screams for Impeachment
- Possible Planning of a Coup
Folks, what are we doing?
You're gonna justify the means with the ends?
However, what are the ends so far and in the foreseeable future.
Nothing productive can get done politically or otherwise this way.
One side wins and the other throws a temper tantrum and stonewalls and then in reverse.
There is world instability from Russia to China, North Korea, and Iran, as well as violence and refugees from Syria to Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar, Iraq, and Afghanistan
The economic boom may very well end up an economic bust when it comes time to pay the humongous national deficit bill.
We are eating each other alive instead of creating a better world order.
Extremism begets extremism.
Hate begets hate.
You can tell yourself that you are fighting for what is right--both sides do--but perhaps you are destroying much more than you are building.
Things have gone too far and this country is self-destructing with or without Russian intervention.
We have become our own worst enemies. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
We Have Become Our Own Worst Enemies
February 13, 2018
Cyber Attacks Typology
STRIDE
Spoofing - Falsifying identity to gain systems access
Tampering - Making unauthorized changes to data or systems
Repudiation - Forging identify of actions to data or system to deny responsibility or even blame a 3rd party
Information Disclosure - Stealing (exfiltrating) information and disclosing it to unauthorized individuals
Denial of Service - Depriving legitimate users access to data or systems
Elevation of Privilege - Transforming user account to allow it to exceed legitimate user privileges (e.g. admin account or superuser)
Funny-sad enough, these six types of cyber attacks can cause any information security officer to lose their stride. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal
Cyber Attacks Typology
November 18, 2017
Invasion of Dinosaurs
So what's with the invasion of dinosaurs.
First one is standing next to the checkout line in Whole Foods in Maryland.
Second one is actually on someone's terrace overlooking the beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Third one is the real McCoy from the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Certainly, dinosaurs aren't cute and cuddly--even the plush ones from Whole Foods--they'd eat you and I for dinner if they could!
So why do we gravitate to relics from the Ice Age past?
Perhaps, just like looking forward to Aliens from outer space, the dinosaurs represent an important historical link for us, and thus anchor us in a much larger perspective of time and space.
In a way, it all points to the dichotomy between us as humans with great--almost endless--potential, and yet at the same time, how small we are relative to the enormous dinosaurs that roamed the earth of yesteryear as well as the distinct possibility of mighty extraterrestrials that we may someday (soon) encounter from outer space.
From this context, I guess what's really amazing is that we, as a people, are still here!
Despite our bad habits and unsustainable living, we continue to innovate our way out of own messes of greed, conflict, contagion, pollution, and resource depletion, and create a future far beyond what destroyed our predecessors or even what may come from current or potential future foes.
Like the economy, we think we can grow ourselves out of all our troubles--and who knows, maybe we can if we can continue to stay at least one or two steps ahead of all the challenges and threats--but, at the back (or front) of our minds is what if we can't or don't? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Invasion of Dinosaurs
September 11, 2017
Always Be Prepared
Even when we're having a good time, we need to have in mind the possibility that things can go very wrong.
These last couples of weeks with Hurricane Harvey and Irma, we saw again the destructive forces that Mother Nature can bring.
And today being the 16th Anniversary since the terror attacks on 9/11 and the almost 3,000 murdered at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, we are reminded of the necessity to always be ready for man-made/inflicted disasters as well.
Now with Axis of Evil nations, North Korea and Iran, continuing to pose alarming threats to the West, the need for preparation and readiness to dangerous WMD--whether from an ICBM or a suitcase bomb--is ever present
Let's just say until the final redemption when peace will reign on earth, we can never just rest securely on our laurels.
Even on a sunny day, the clouds may be gathering to threaten us.
So have a plan. Be prepared. You and your families lives across our beautiful and free nation depend on it. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Always Be Prepared
August 9, 2017
Nuke Fear Turning To Action?
Currently, there are about 15,000 nukes either stockpiled or poised to strike around the world.
Enough deadly weapons to kill the entire planet!
After a frightening series of 5 nukes tests since 2006 plus 18 technologically progressive ballistic missiles tests over the last 6 months, things are escalating after new sanctions imposed to try to contain the threat--with North Korea rattling it's nuclear arsenal with a shrill threat of attack moving to "physical action" and the U.S. shooting back "fire and fury,"
As to further North Korean mad progress, it was reported that they are developing a powerful new H-bomb with immense destructive power, especially towards our density killing fields:
- If such a weapon would strike, G-d forbid, Washington D.C., it could mean 500,000 dead and another 900,000 injured--let alone what this would mean in terms of a destructive decapitation to the very functioning and continuity of our government and country.
- Even worse fatalities would occur should it strike our financial capital, New York City, with estimates of 1.7 million dead.
Hence, the news that this is no joking matter anymore (as if it really ever was).
Fears typically first get expressed in rhetoric, but then with greater and ever potent means for them to become reality, the risks increase for them to actually make the horrific leap.
What happens next with the ever menacing dangers from rogue Axis of Evil nations, North Korea and Iran--and will we ever feel and be safe again, absent any meaningful social progress while they continue to absolutely and speedily advance their ever more deadly weapons programs and the means to deliver them, first class. ;-0
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Nuke Fear Turning To Action?