A note to Jewish grandparents

Published on November 1, 2012

I believe there is a unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. We look out for each other. We have each other’s backs.

Romney, Ryan and Florida Jews

By Raphael Sonenshein
Published on August 15, 2012

In 1992, Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts mounted a strong campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. The pundits considered him a brainy guy who was willing to take on the sacred cows of Social Security and Medicare. Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, by contrast, seemed like a flawed candidate. Tsongas stung Clinton by calling him “pander bear.”

On the issues: GOP hopefuls on Israel, Iran, abortion, Social Security and more

Published on February 28, 2012

In advance of Super Tuesday, JTA takes a look at the stances of the four Republican presidential candidates on some issues of Jewish interest. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

BUDGET: Ryan’s way: Stop government excess

Published on April 15, 2011

Does anyone dare ask how the government can spend ever more on, say, education, health and poverty, when schools decline anyway, health care becomes more chaotic, and the dependent class grows exponentially … and then liberals predictably claim the only problem is we’re not spending enough?

BUDGET: Threat to Food Stamps Lies Hidden in Ryan’s Plan

Published on April 15, 2011

With the federal budget battle in full swing, Congress, media pundits and most of the general public have their attention riveted on proposed changes to Medicare and Social Security. But Social Security — dubbed the “third rail” of politics — is likely to remain intact, even in today’s hyper-partisan political climate.

Is the time right for universal health care?

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on November 22, 2008

Over 65 group could decide who wins this year’s presidential election

Published on October 15, 2008

Neither candidate on the campaign trail has spoken often on issues that matter to seniors, and when they have, it's been underreported by much of the media. So at the end of the day, how different are the candidates -- and their respective political parties -- from each other when it comes to issues of great importance to seniors, such as long-term care, Social Security, medical insurance and taxes?

With the Republican base on the ropes, all eyes are on Florida —again

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on October 8, 2008

With the Republican base on the ropes, all eyes are on Florida —again

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on October 8, 2008

It is already ugly out on the campaign trail, and reporters in the field are feeling the heat of the rising anger of a Republican base on the ropes.

Holocaust survivors in L.A.  are still struggling

By Jane Ulman
Published on November 29, 2007

There are an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 Holocaust survivors living in Los Angeles, according to Federation spokeswoman Deborah Dragon. Of these, 3,000 are determined to be financially needy, a figure based on a United Jewish Communities Report published December 2003, which found 25 percent of Holocaust victims in the United States living in poverty.

The Social Security Fix: Pay Back Funds

By Rep. Henry Waxman
Published on April 14, 2005

President Bush has proposed the biggest transfer of wealth in history. He plans to use trillions of dollars in contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and other administration spending priorities.

Jewish Groups Stay Silent on Tax Cuts

By James D. Besser
Published on February 3, 2005

For many Jewish activists, the dilemma is excruciating: Congress and the administration are debating a revolution in American life, but Jewish organizations, with rare exceptions, have been struck dumb.

God, Gays and Guns: The U.S. Fault Line

By Robert B. Reich
Published on November 11, 2004

About the same portion of Americans describe themselves as being liberal (19 percent) as believe that the world will come to an end in their lifetimes (17 percent).

Aging: A Jewish Community Issue

By Molly Forrest
Published on January 29, 2004

When I first met Sarah, she was bent over her walker intently making her way through the gardens of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging (JHA). While her steps were merely a shuffle, her brown eyes were lively.

I often walk through our Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses to visit with our 800 residents. I frequently ask the question: "What makes the Jewish Home Jewish?"

Sarah had a ready answer.

The Liberal Revival

By Marlene Adler Marks
Published on November 12, 1998

What a great week this has been for liberals. If it does nothing else, Election '98 makes it OK to use "L" word again. I love it -- it is so much more descriptive of hope and dream than the neutered word "moderate." Liberals have been abused on both the left (by multiculturalists) and right (by fundamentalists) for so long that it will take us a while to reconsider the beauty and dignity of its expression. Liberal is who we are, even if L.A. Times' columnist Bob Scheer doesn't fathom why, defining a liberal as one who votes against self-interest. Not true.