After I started this journal back in October, I spent relatively little time talking about the September 11 atrocities — certainly not since the new year. As the months went on, this journal has evolved away from the overtly political. I’ve been focusing on trivia, humor, and keeping my friends and family entertained. I’ve decided that there are enough blowhards out there spewing their uninformed views on geopolitical issues without little ol’ me getting involved.

So I’ll just say the following. I’m worried: worried about the “other shoe dropping”. I’m disappointed: disappointed with the current administration’s bumbling, from its failure to commit to Afghan security and stability, to its inability to even try to maintain the goodwill and cooperation of our allies. I’m unnerved: unnerved to read about rampant anti-Semitic violence in France; disturbed to read the rhetoric about “Zionist media control” creeping in not just from the extreme right, but from the left as well.

All I can do is pray that things get better. It’s a New Year, the Book is still open, and maybe things will improve. Shana Tovah, all.