By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

I am the female half of a mixed marriage. It wasn’t always thus. My husband converted from the political party of our youthful courtship to “the other.” I have remained more or less in the fold – leaning toward independent.

I’ll be honest. This is not a particularly bonding situation. It has had two significant effects. One is good. One is not-so.

I’ll work backwards. In the “not-so” category, whenever he begins to spew “talking points” and arguments of personal destruction, I simply walk out of the room. However, when he is rational and honest and I hear the words coming from a sincere belief system, he opens my mind to thoughtful re-evaluation of my own long term DNA-held positions that I grant are more emotional than rational.

As a people, we desperately need to acknowledge that deeply-held, sincere convictions exist on both sides of every issue.

And aside from motivations of greed, political advantage, power plays and extreme hubris, it is a healthy environment that encourages civil dissent and the articulation of

reasons behind positions that are divergent.

Trouble is most people come to politics from places other than thought and study and true understanding of issues. They/we are influenced first by parental upbringing, then by community of peers and, then, by a combination of personal experiences, influential mentors, intensive readings and the media.

Wouldn’t you love to hear an intelligent debate by candidates on the role of government in society – including where and why there should be limitations, logical and without rancor?

And wouldn’t you love to hear an intelligent debate – without name calling and attributions of ill will – on the subject of healthcare, including how to balance the limit of expenditures with the needs of an ever long-living society?

And how about a quiet and thoughtful two-way discussion on immigration policy, balancing the practical societal problems presented by illegal entry, the obstacles to legitimate citizenship and the demand by industry for low-wage workers?

And, although it is commonly acknowledged that the U.S. is way down on the ladder of well-educated citizens, those required to meet the needs of a global economy, we have not

yet acted on the many proposals to bring us up to par. And how do we secure an ever-collapsing infrastructure?

I truly believe that, with passions set aside, there will be more theoretical agreements than anyone can now envision. Where, other than in highbrow think tank circles, are these issues, and other significant ones, brought to the average “Joe” and “Josie” in independent nonpartisan venues?

This “rant” is a plea for balance, open mindedness and acknowledgement of some merit to the position of “the other.” We know that, in the months to come, we will be bombarded (tortured?) with attack ads from both sides. We know that they will include exaggerations, words taken out of context, some downright deliberate distortions of facts and, no doubt, a good percentage of fear mongering. Both sides will be equally responsible for distribution of divisive material. While we’re waiting – let’s just listen – to the other side.

DEERFIELD BEACH

April 25 A senior superintendent for Thornton Construction Company reported that a saw, scaffold and drywall cart were removed from a work site at 201 E. Sample Rd.

April 25 A man reported that a safe in his bedroom at his home at 905 SE 13 Court was pried open and jewelry valued at about $7,000 was stolen. The man said his home is being renovated and that a number of contractors have been in his home.

April 26 Two men were arrested and charged with committing a burglary and battery on a victim at 4334 NW 9 Ave. The men were attempting to remove the victim from the apartment because of late rental payments.

April 27 A woman reported that someone stole four tires and chrome rims from her car parked at 1044 S. Military Trail.

April 27 A woman reported that a gold chain valued at $800 was taken from her home at 426 SE 13 Dr.

April 27 Four men were arrested and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. The men worked together to enter a home at 443 SE 13 Court and stole watches, electronic equipment and foreign coins. Total value of the items taken was estimated at more than $300.

April 28 It was reported that a car parked at 133 E. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and a money bag with $860 was stolen.

April 29 A man reported that his unlocked vehicle parked at 231 NW 38 Court was entered and $50, a checkbook, and entertainment headsets were stolen.

April 29 A man reported that he saw a man steal his bicycle from his residence at 760 SE 2 Ave. The victim chased the thief, who then dropped the bicycle. The man recovered the bicycle at 300 SW 10 St.

DEERFIELD – District 4

April 25 Residential burglary was reported in Deer Creek at Via Napoli between 6:40 and 10:20 p.m. Residents returned to find their home burglarized. Entry was made through rear sliding glass door (no forced entry noted). Stolen was: vast amount of jewelry, wrapped coins and paper money. Loss was estimated at more than $70,000. Detective was on the scene. Subject jumped rear privacy wall to enter backyard. Patio chair was moved to wall to facilitate leaving the scene. Scene was processed.

April 27 Loss of life was reported in the Villages of Hillsboro Park at 7:10 a.m. Passerby walking a dog discovered a body on canal bank. Homicide Unit and Crime Scene responded, along with district command staff. Investigation determined that victim succumbed to self-inflicted gunshot wound. Victim’s parent responded to scene for positive ID. Firearm was recovered from canal.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

April 20 A man reported that four tires and four rims were stolen from his car at 2430 NE 31 Court. A video surveillance camera showed two men taking the tires.

April 21 A man reported eight garden pavers stolen from his home at 2101 NE 32 Court.

April 22 It was reported that a car parked at 2640 NE 52 Court was broken into and a purse containing $120, a necklace, a driver’s license and two credit cards was stolen.

April 24 A man reported that his bicycle was stolen from his garage at 3100 NE 51 St. A surveillance camera showed a man taking the bicycle from the garage.

April 25 A man reported his jet ski stolen from 3801 NE 26 Ave.

April 25 A woman reported that someone entered her car parked at 2254 NE 31 St. and stole her purse with sunglasses and medications.

RE: Money spent on fireworks

Dear Editor:

When reading the [4-26-12] Observer, I noticed on the front page an article describing the 4th of July and Founders’ Days celebrations. I was surprised to read about the high cost of these events and feel the money could have been donated to the disabled veterans. Because of the bad economy, a donation like this would make more sense than to blow it in the air, and it would look great for Deerfield Beach.

Hans R. Paetzold

Deerfield Beach

RE: Cove CrimeWatch mtg.

Dear Editor:

I read with some dismay the comments in the 4-26-12 Letter to the Editor concerning The Cove Crime Watch meeting [on April 19].

First, the 911 router can immediately put one through to the appropriate dispatch, which she did. The homeowner is an ideal person to call 911 because they can advise dispatch of points of ingress and egress from the home, the presence of any pets, and any unique characteristics of the home.

Second, we can cure stupidity through education and awareness. It is not only our right, but our responsibility to question our leaders and law enforcement when the facts demand that we do so. Any crime in our neighborhood affects us as a community, and the right to discuss and air our grievances is sacrosanct. It is ironic that the only lack of civility occurred afterwards on the pages of the community newspaper.

Lastly, we all appreciate the time and energy that BSO puts into protecting us. However, public discourse is NOT about taking everything one hears at face value. I am confident that BSO can handle themselves in the face of criticism and that they want the system to run better. The writer of the Letter to the Editor does not know all the facts and should be more judicious before labeling good, honest and intelligent citizens with invectives such as “rude,” “stupid” and “childish.” None of those words nor any of their ilk were uttered at the meeting. That’s the sort of dialogue we just don’t need and which brings down this community.

Helen Leen Miranda

Deerfield Beach

Bladder Cancer

Dear Editor:

Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, yet most people know nothing about it. This lack of public awareness leaves many bladder cancer survivors feeling isolated and alone, and is the main reason why there is so little support for research on bladder cancer and the lack of advancement in treatment over the past 20 years.

Last year, over 70,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with bladder cancer and over 14,000 people died from it.

Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 50-80 percent and, because it requires life-long surveillance, is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis.

It is estimated that $2.9 billion is spent in the U.S. each year on the treatment of bladder cancer.

May 5 is National Bladder Cancer Awareness Day. We hope everyone can join us on Las Olas Boulevard to walk and raise awareness of this deadly disease. Proceeds raised will go toward funds for bladder cancer research and education.

As the daughter of a cancer survivor, I want to be sure that everyone knows to go see a doctor if they notice blood in their urine or have urinary urgency or frequency. I also want to be sure that no one has to go through their bladder cancer journey alone.

The Bladder Cancer Awareness Day walk will, with help from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (www.bcan. org), raise awareness of this under-recognized disease and help improve research into more effective treatment and find a cure for bladder cancer.

For further details, contact us at 954-612-0097 or 954- 687-0097.

Sarah M. Bogdan

Deerfield Beach

Editor’s note: Also, locally in Deerfield Beach this weekend, the annual Relay for Life raises funds for American Cancer Society.

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 3, noon

City Hall, 150 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Info: 954-480-4417.

“Art on the Boulevard”

Friday, May 4, 6 to 9 p.m.

Greight Spaces, 2611 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Held in correlation with Pompano Beach’s East Village Uncorked. Artists exhibit artwork and sell their works commission-free. Features artists Pat Anderson, Joan Keirstead and John Wetzstein. Enjoy music & light refreshments.954-788-9044.

DB/LHP Relay for Life

Saturday, May 5, 5 p.m. To Sunday, May 6, 9 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

This year’s theme is ‘Heroes.’ Funds raised benefits cancer survivors, those fighting cancer and families dealing with the loss of a family member from cancer.

Sunfest

Through May 5

The music lovers festival is here with something for everyone with concerts, an art show, fireworks and a 5k race (on May 4). Held along Intracoastal Waterway, Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard to Lakeview Avenue, in West Palm Beach, this fest features everyone from Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind and Joan Jett to Snoop Dog and Matisyahu. For full schedule and more information, visit http://sunfest.com.

BSO/PAL hosts: State of Florida Boxing Jr. Olympics

Saturday, May 5, Doors open: 12:30 p.m., First bout: 2 p.m. ‘til about 6 p.m.

Deerfield Beach High School, 910 SW 15 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

More info: 954-778-0174. Directions to school: 754- 322-0650.

Art of the State

Opens Monday, May 7, 4 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Library, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

See over 65 pieces of artwork of artist Sirju Seeharack Mohan during his second solo art exhibition. 954-304-1513.

NARF meets

Tuesday, May 8, noon

Golden Corral Restaurant 2100 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

NARF (National Active and Retired Federal employees), chapter 558, seeks new members who are retired federal employees or near future retirees residing in Pompano area. Group meets every second Tuesday, same time and place. 561-495-4731.

Greater PB Senior Citizens Club meets

Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Activities focus on general welfare, health, education and security of senior citizens. Fun trips and outings offered. Meets every second Wednesday of the month (no meetings in July & August). 954-943-7787 for info.

Save the date: American Legion golf tournament

Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. tee-time

Deerfield Country Club

For Post 162. Register your foursome early. $75 per player; hole sponsor – $100. 512-468-7487 for info.

I remember a time many years ago when one of the most used holy books in my library was falling apart. I discovered that the library at FAU had some wonderful craftsmen on the floor of the Judaica Collection. These artists have a knack for bookbinding … and, let me tell you something, it is not easy to find a good bookbinder these days. It is a dying art.

I brought my book over to them and one of the binders gently took it in his hands. I could see by the way he held it that he knew this was a holy book. I got the impression that this was a man to whom all books are sacred.

I asked him what I should do and he told me to leave it with him and he would see if he could give the book some added life. In the end, he was able to bind that book back together so well that I have been using it for a good 12 years now. What a wonderful job this master binder did.

When I think of my love for books, I can’t help but think of a novel called Farenheit 451. It was about a time in the future where firemen have a very different job than they do in our current world because, instead of putting out fires, in the futuristic world of Farenheit 451, a fireman’s job was to start them and, sadly enough, it was books that they were supposed to burn.

One of the closest people in my life is in a book club. She was supposed to get a particular book to read called Fifty Shades of Grey. I called the library to find a copy of it for her and found out that it was deemed too risqué for the Broward System. So, I called Palm Beach and found that they have a few copies of the book. I also found that the book that one library may as well have chosen to burn was so popular in the other that, if I put in on reserve, I would be waiting weeks or months until after her book club had already finished reading and discussing the book in detail.

A book can be banned and a book can be burned, but, sometimes, when you ban a book, you only make it more desirable, more popular. While fire can destroy a book, the heat from a fire can also be used by one who sees books as holy to seal the glue that binds the pages back together again. A fire can be used to burn books, even holy books, but a flame can also provide us with the light we need to see the written

word.

Lag B’Omer is soon upon us. It is a time when we traditionally light bonfires and those fires remind us of the light that can be found in the Torah and in those who teach the inner meanings of G-d’s word.

May the flames of literacy grow inside you and may the books you choose to read warm your heart and light your soul.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and serves in this capacity in a number of healthcare settings in the area including Advocate Home Care Services and L’Chayim Jewish Hospice in Partnership with Catholic Hospice of Broward County.