February 2024 - Uncommitted, $50,000, and Hemorrhoids
Welcome back to 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'
“The Palestinians have been paying for the British colonial policy of “divide and rule” and for Europe’s guilty Christian conscience for more than thirty years.”
James Baldwin, writing in 1979 in The Nation
Committed for Palestine, uncommitted to Biden
In solidarity with over 100,000 Michigan voters, I selected "uncommitted" in the Democratic Primary election, serving as a compelling call for President Biden to course-correct his policies regarding Gaza.
Regrettably, despite receiving significant warnings, Biden's campaign seems more intent on urging voters to support him by highlighting that the alternative is irrational—a candidate advocating for a Muslim ban. How sustainable is the rationale for choosing the lesser evil in a two-option scenario?
This will lead to voter disengagement, as individuals become disillusioned with having to make such a choice and feel that their deeper preferences are never truly represented.
I eagerly await a day when we have electoral reforms like proportional ranked-choice voting, which can allow for a broader spectrum of parties and candidates to have a realistic chance of success. Such reforms can empower voters to support candidates who align more closely with their values without the fear of "wasting" their votes.
I remain “uncommitted” to any politician who has yet to call for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire.
I find myself in a similar situation as Terry Ahwal, referenced in the article, you might be too.
The War in Gaza Turned This Longtime Michigan Democrat Against Biden - The New York Times
I am deeply appalled by the role played by the United States in Gaza, and at the same time, incredibly grateful for South Africa’s stance. Brazil has also stepped up to assume a leadership role in this matter as well.
A new effort to punish South Africa is a terrible look for Democrats - The Washington Post
This should not happen in the 21st century, but here we are, courtesy of American taxpayers.
I’m an American doctor who went to Gaza. What I saw wasn’t war — it was annihilation - Los Angeles Times
Media bias skews narratives when only one viewpoint, notably Israeli, dominates unchallenged, betraying journalism's core principles. This underscores the failure of mainstream outlets like the NY Times and showcases the prowess of smaller entities like The Intercept in championing honest journalism and revealing the truth.
The Story Behind The New York Times October 7 Exposé - The Intercept (A must-read)
CNN staff say network’s pro-Israel slant amounts to ‘journalistic malpractice’ - The Guardian
James Baldwin correctly said “There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one’s head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people’s pain.”
What Israeli Soldiers’ Videos Reveal: Cheering Destruction and Mocking Gazans - The New York Times
Two must-watch YouTube videos:
Lex Fridman Podcast #411| Omar Suleiman: Palestine, Gaza, Oct 7, Israel, Resistance, Faith & Islam
Why Gaza May Be The End Of The West
Technology
Sadly, in this edition, I have nothing good to say about AI.
AI-enabled genocide!
How Israel Is Using AI as a Weapon of War - The Walrus
AI-enabled pink slips!
AI Is Starting to Threaten White-Collar Jobs. Few Industries are Immune - The Wall Street Journal
AI-enabled propaganda!
Hulu Shows Jarring Anti-Hamas Ad Likely Generated with AI - Wired
Health
I recently had a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy, a process the American Cancer Society recommends for those over 45. Additionally, this screening can detect hemorrhoids, a condition affecting one in three Americans.
We all have hemorrhoids. Here’s how to keep them happy - The Washington Post
We've all faced moments of slacking off and giving up on fitness. This article inspires us to get back on track.
How Long Does it Take to Get Fit Again? - The New York Times
Culture, History, and Politics
In a shocking twist, a New York financial columnist recounts how she fell victim to an Amazon scam call, losing a staggering $50,000 in the process. A must-listen cautionary tale.
The day I put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and handed it to a stranger - The Cut
I was delighted to hear this sermon on Black History at my local mosque.
America Wasn’t a Democracy, Until Black Americans Made it | Friday sermon by Dr. Zulfiqar Shah - YouTube
I plan to watch “Origin,” the movie, once it is on one of the streaming platforms.
“Origin”: Ava DuVernay’s Film Dramatizes “Caste,” from U.S. Racism to India’s Dalits to Nazi Germany - YouTube
Please feel free to add your favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.