I have been a lot calmer since Monday. I've asked myself why. I think there are 4 reasons. 1. Friends reached out. That helped. 2. I was able to focus on work. That helps me feel I am doing something. 3. Obama tweeted that Israel should "dismantle" Hamas. That's a major change and means Israel will have diplomatic cover to win the war. 4. I went to a gym class on Monday, despite not wanting to, and felt better.
Here's my advice. You can't escape the news about the war, or the arguments; and some of us actually need to be engaged. But there is a way to do it without sacrificing your mental or physical health, and while managing daily life in a way that doesn't make you feel crazy.
1. Focus on the everyday. Don't drop your regular routines, even if they have to change a bit to make time for some wartime stuff.
2. Don't get bogged down in arguments about what happened; focus on what needs to happen -- i.e. getting rid of Hamas, forever.
3. Consume news skeptically. This includes, especially, news that "helps" your side. View it all skeptically. The basic facts don't change.
4. Do fun things. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Make love. Don't feel guilty about any of it. Try to avoid substances. Take care of yourself.
5. Be patient with angry or upset people. That includes yourself. It's ok to be angry. Walk away from social media for a while, if so.
6. Reach out to people on the other side of this, if you know any. Don't discuss. Don't argue. Just say "Hi, hope you're ok."
7. Remember this: Palestinians would have a state if they made peace, and built one. Peace is a choice. It's also still a possibility.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call in: 866-957-2874
