Yes, today is the 18th of March.  For many of you, it’s the recovery day after over-celebrating St. Patrick’s Day yesterday.  For me, it means that the new month of Nisan arrives in but 3 days- which is yet another new year in the Jewish calendar.  It also means there’s but 18 days to go until the grand festival of Pesach- Passover.

18 is a special number in our religion.  If one knows the numbering system in Hebrew, 18 is synonymous with Chai.  Chai means life.   And, in 18 days,  my life will be greatly enriched by the celebration of Pesach.   Because I share it with my children, my grandchild, and my created family.   The holiday of Freedom reminds us that being free does not mean the ability to do whatever we want- but the ability to work together to make the world better for all of us.

And, that leads to the object lesson of today.   I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop (come on, you know it’s St. Elmo’s) the other day and a friend who I haven’t seen in forever joined me to help make my day grand.  Among our discussions was the way Del Ray (a section of Alexandria) had changed since we both moved to the city [25 years ago for both of us].

I mentioned it had become more Republican.  Knowing full well that Maureen was a Republican.  But, she knew what I meant. Because Republicans have changed in these past decades.  Back when I was little, I worked as a campaign operative for great Republicans in New York.  Ralph Caso was but one of many- Senators Charles Percy, Jacob Javits, Ed Brooke, Charles “Mac” Mathias, among many others.  Nowadays, the Republicans we see tend to be the “I’ve got mine, screw you about yours” types.

And, Maureen told me about a new ad that’s been running.  I guess since I watch TV using my VCR (which erases all ads) most of the time, I hadn’t seen it.  But, she had met one of the folks behind the ad.  She wanted me to see it.   Because, she’s not one of the new Republicans.

I want you to see the ad too.  It’s time we all recognize our prejudices for what they are.

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