Special Report
Good Night, Sweet Rose
Such a contrast between Rose Friedman and our rule-by-decree President.
Another glorious day in Sandpoint, Idaho. My wife has broken her ankle so my pal Phil DeMuth is keeping me company at our home up here. I awakened and, as usual, said the Shema, a Jewish prayer of thanks to God. Then I turned to my e-mails. There was one from a man I had thought of as my friend at a major newspaper. It was an angry, venomous letter about what a terrible person I am for making a commercial peddling credit reports to consumers while I simultaneously wrote about investment banks.
Wow. I was shocked. I had done a lot of favors for this hombre. I was stung by his rage. The conflict of interest charge is baloney — as if I were guilty as a movie critic for endorsing popcorn. What could I do about his anger? I got to my knees in front of my window overlooking Lake Pendoreille. I asked God to bless this person and all his hater pals on line and to take away their frenzy and replace it with peace.
After that, I felt a lot better. I made breakfast for Phil and me, and then wrote a magazine article about history. Then Phil and I went for a fun walk through town. I got a whole bunch of photos framed — all of sunrise over the lake. Then Phil and I just sat and watched people walk by. They were all friendly except for one silly lady from Brooklyn — the only one I have ever met in Idaho, and decidedly un-Idaho like.
After that, a fabulous pizza while watching the Sand Creek flow by. Then a long, super fast ride in my little Thompson out to Bottle Bay. About three weeks ago, my smart mechanic, Tim Farmin, replaced my aluminum prop with a much stronger stainless steel prop from Michigan Wheel in the great city of Grand Rapids. That steel prop makes the boat get up on plane faster, lets me handle her better in rough waters, gives a whole new firm control and dramatically more speed. Michigan Wheel, stand up and take a bow. I feel the steel.
An early dinner at Bottle Bay, watching the boats come in and out of the Marina, then a long ride back to town under the railroad bridge, under the highway, then back to my berth at the Sandpoint Marina.
Then a two-hour nap, and then a snack of salmon and a chocolate milkshake. I hope the neo-Darwinists had as good a day as I did.
Then, a cruel shock. An e-mail telling me that Rose Director Friedman, 98-year-old widow of Milton, had passed away. I have known this wonderful champion of freedom all of my life. She and Milton were frequent guests at our home and I can still recall my parents laughing with them about Jacob Viner and Frank Knight and the days at Chicago, then arguing politely about economics.
Mrs. Friedman was startlingly smart (her brother was the genius economist Aaron Director, an even closer pal of my parents). Outspoken without ever being rude, patient but unyielding in her love of individual freedom and dignity. Milton could not have been Milton without Rose. The modern uber-rude woman powerhouses of today could learn much from her.
In her later years, she was the guiding light of the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, which works tirelessly to improve education by giving students choice in where they attend school. It is a far better deal than Barack Obama gives kids. Mrs. Friedman was a hero of liberty and freedom. She will be missed.
By the way, as a total contrast, is anyone keeping track of the whoppers that Mr. Obama has told recently?
My favorites of course are his saying during the campaign that he would read every line of the budget to weed out wasteful spending. There are millions of lines in the budget. I will bet he has not read ten. He did not even read his own stimulus, cap and trade, and health care bills, or so I am told. And he claims to be against wasteful spending? Is that a joke? This man is to spending what cattle are to manure. He invented wasteful spending on a scale no one ever dreamed of.
Then there was his promise to protect and defend Israel. What? By allowing Iran to get The Bomb? By taking the Hamas’s side against Israel? How was that again?
But my latest fave is his telling us over and over during the campaign that he would bring America together. “There is not a red America or a blue America, there is just one America and what unites is bigger than what divides us.”
Well, it would be pretty if it were true. (Paraphrase of Hemingay.) But instead we get Rahm Emanuel and the ultra-divisive health plan, pitched, forced down the throat of an America that overwhelmingly does not want it. The most divisive issue imaginable. Just to please the ideologues of the left. How is that bringing America together? No, this is a Presidency by decree. Not good. Not what he promised, but I never believed him anyway.
Well, I pray for him, too. But he’s not fooling anyone anymore. We have his number. Statist, central planner, control freak. Not a friend of Israel. Jury is out on whether he is a friend of America. I pray that he is but I have my doubts. Needs prayer. We all need prayer.
Good night from Idaho.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
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drudge ette obama| 8.20.09 @ 7:07AM
When I read your statement, "The jury is out whether he is a friend of America", I recalled what I wrote a year ago when Obama made his pre-election tour of Europe.
I am coming to a rising anger over the disparity between what I know and what I am being told. I have heard the word arrogance bantered around. Is there a word that expresses hyper-arrogance? Obama, you say? Obama is just one of 100 senators in Congress. He isn't too experienced. Really, all he has done is some ACORN work, local political involvement in a racially-segregated district, and now the Senate with no accomplishments.Obama's legal experience is minimal. He hasn't spent 20 years developing a law career and reputation based on accomplishment and work, he just floats on his personality. And that soaring rhetoric is getting really annoying. The U.S. Presidency is no place to cut your teeth and find yourself. There are serious threats out there.Obama sounds like Kermit the Frog to me. Obama is not substantial. He is a creation of some back-room controllers. And he knows it. You can see it in his face. But he is believing it. This is where the great fall begins. We will see increasing levels of anger and impatience from Obama as he internalizes the p.r. campaign. Just wait.You have heard the expression, "he believes his own press". This is Obama. Obama seems self-centered. People who have strong core beliefs don't hedge around like Obama. Obama is confused about who he is, isn't he? He writes books about his life which isn't too expansive. Why would someone do this except to try to explain himself to himself. And publish it? Why? He is confused.I recommend reading a Chicago Tribune articles about Obama. There is a series of these articles. Here's a link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0703270151mar27,0,14968,full.story This article really gave me the creeps about Obama. Obama loses if what is written in the article is true. It's not like he has suffered, like Oprah. He went to the elite Punahoe in Honolulu, as well as the Ivy League stints, college and post-graduate. Actually, his grandparents, particularly his grandfather, seem more interesting than Obama. At first, I thought his mother would be the fascinating character, but in the end, she just seemed screwed up. His father was just nasty and manipulative. If Obama had an inner core instead of always looking for others to define him, he'd be more like John McCain than Obama. John McCain has an inner core., even if you don't always agree with him. People of privilege can have inner cores, too.
Back to the 2008 Obama World Tour.I would have loved to be in the planning room when the idea of the Obama World Tour 2008 was born."He needs to go to Iraq. McCain is making him look lightweight.""He need to go to Afghanistan, too, because he can support this 'war' but not Iraq.""He's over there, why not buy the Middle East package. Introduce him to the leaders of the region, including Israel.""Imagine the pictures, the image-making potential.""Link him to JFK, let's go to France, Germany.""Maybe Michelle should join him in Paris, like Jackie.""Let's turn Michelle like Jackie" http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/12/michelle_obama200712?currentPage=1 They got so into the big pictures in their minds and stuck on the perceived benefit that this World Tour would make Obama a qualified statesman of the world, that they didn't consider a couple of things. First, people would realize it was a resume padding World Tour for someone who doesn't have the qualifications or skills to run this country.Second, Americans aren't completely gullible. Americans are skeptical. Americans see through fraud and phony setups. They saw through Hillary. The Obama World Tour is 100% phony.Third, Obama doesn't really adore this country and it shows. His base doesn't love this country either. When you don't like your country, you don't like all it stands for and all it has done. I want someone who loves this country to run it. I want tears to come down Obama's eyes when he talks about it. All Obama wants to talk about is Obama.Finally, the World Tour will backfire because Obama doesn't fit the shoes. The focus will start on the arrogance of this man to take the trip a President takes. Arrogance angers people because people are busy working towards their own goals. Society doesn't really have time to stroke the self-centered, who demand society's time. Obama needs society to define himself. We don't have time. Figure yourself out, first, Obama.
Melvin| 8.20.09 @ 7:48AM
Bravo, drudge obama spoken like a true exceptional proud American.
The reason I said exceptional is because we as Americans, are. And your post was direct and poignant and couldn't have spelled out more clearly that the facade that is propping up our government.
Americans are waking up by the thousands and realizing that their standing on the sidelines attitude must change if they want this Country to continue and we are revoking our consent to be governed by a corrupt, statist government that is no longer a reflection of American ideals and freedom loving principles.
Effective immediately as noted in the United States Constitution:
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
As an American I am invoking my God given right and hereby revoke by consent to be governed by this current destructive government, and am securing my right to alter and if so abolish it.
Who is with me to declare your consent to be governed and to alter and or abolish this current destructive government?
Dale Huffman | 8.20.09 @ 7:57AM
Ben Stein struck a nerve, judging by the first comment here, from "drudge ette obama". I would agree totally about Obama's lack of so much, but I don't have the time or security to look back in anger, as that commenter is doing, or gloat over my secure life, as Ben does in the article. He has clearly been stung repeatedly, recently, and feels the need to strike out. But what's really going on is the maturation of a perfect storm of competing paradigms, of divided beliefs among not just the power brokers but the people themselves, all of whom have felt themselves insulated from those they disagree with, and well able to live their lives without coming to grips with those divisions, to heal them. Too many sides taken over the last 40 years, too many steps not rethought and retraced to find an inclusive path. And now it's just cacophony, as the internet well shows. Nobody's listening but the choir, anywhere, on any side, on any point. Obama is but one symptom of the greater mess everyone's moral and ideological carelessness has wrought. Well, if you are at all interested in real change you can believe in, take a deep breath, clear your head of petty thoughts, and read my blog (and then tell your friends).
Melvin| 8.20.09 @ 8:34AM
To a large extent it is not about the President Obama, or previous Presidents, but rather the philosophy of government.
No longer is government equal and separate. All levels, state, county, city, and village are now conjoined at the hip of the larger federal host.
State and local governments are now like competing fowl with mouths agape waiting for the federal parent to feed them piecemeal with conditions.
It is not about President Obama or his health care, he is just the fresnal lens that is being the focus of the people's anger. "Its Government Stupid" that has awaken the ire of the American people.
This anger in what government has turned itself into has been percolating for a very, very long time, and the people are just plain sick and tired of how abusive, and intolerant government has become.
L. Banks| 8.20.09 @ 9:09AM
Thank you Ben. I hope everyone who reads article will not miss its focus - the loss of a dear friend and an icon - Mrs. Rose Friedman. Many of this generation are leaving us and it is now upon our shoulders to keep America safe from without and within. It is a sad time because not only were they great champions of the freedoms we all possess, but they were wonderful friends and mentors. I also want to applaud you for your decision to pray for those who upset you and bless them. This is the true path to curing many of the ailments of America, but too few people believe it or act upon it. As for Obama, he is not who people believe he is and his arrogance and determination to change America into his personal vision and those of the people who surround him evokes a mixture of emotions. The Constitution of the United States, the blue print for this nation from our founding fathers who have proven themselves by their words and deeds, has been ignored and violated. I pray this country will be protected from all of our enemies within and all of our enemies from without. Thanks again Ben and best wishes and a speedy recovery to your wife.
Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 8.20.09 @ 9:44AM
Ben: You seem to be in the middle of a bad streak of luck recently?,.. I’ll pray for you about that,.. but the bad times come around?,.. just so we can learn to enjoy the good times more,.. and to appreciate the friends and family we have left,.. so Rest in Peace Rose.
But one question did come to my mind from this article?,.. If President Obama is what a Cow is to manure?,.. then are we like the grass that the manure landed on?,.. Yuk!!,.. and who are the flies that are dancing on top of that manure then?,.. don’t answer that one!!,.. it’s obvious!!,.. and it's gross too!!,.. but maybe?,.. It’s time to start thinking about making some Hamburgers!!,.. and finding the Fly swatter.
Anne| 8.20.09 @ 9:50AM
This should be all about Mrs. Friedman; don't waste the article space by writing about Obama!
Tim| 8.20.09 @ 10:20AM
Romans 12:14-21 (New International Version)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
L. Ross| 8.20.09 @ 10:51AM
Somewhat along the lines of Ben Stein's line, "Jury is out on whether he is a friend of America," I say the jury is out on whether he is a muslim invader of a Christian nation.
Pat Spooner| 8.20.09 @ 11:58AM
The simple answer is "Obama is what he is best at - a fraud".
Bill| 8.20.09 @ 1:18PM
Ben, take a day and go up to Copper Falls north of Bonners...sit on one of the benches there and remember your friend. Maybe the President should join you and bring his beer. Clarity comes at times like these. He could use some clarity...right from wrong would be a good beginning. It is nice to have you living and enjoying our simpler life in Idaho. You are an asset and at least you can relate in some ways to the plight of the simple American. I enjoy reading your posts here.
RAG| 8.20.09 @ 2:34PM
God bless Ben Stein!
Ben, I’m sorry that the Times treated you so inequitably, but I never read your article in the Times anyway. I do read your articles, though. I even search you out so that I might read your dearth of work. I bought your movie, Expelled-No Intelligence Allowed, and I paid the full brand new price. I agree with you very much. There is a problem.
However, you are on the side of good, and I respond to that. I respond favorably to that. I know there are many, many more who feel as we do sir.
You may not reach as many people as you did while writing for the Times. However, Psychologists have determined that people who report having a few close friends are happier than people who report having many casual friends.
You may think of me as a close reader, even a fan.
Best wishes,
RAG
Pingback| 8.20.09 @ 2:52PM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Good Night, Sweet Rose [spectator.or links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
rick mcmullen| 8.20.09 @ 5:57PM
Mr. Stein, did you really, really think that the President was going to read every line in the budget. As you noted there are millions of lines in it. Do you even think he should. He doesn't have anything else to do right? What's this about forcing healthcare down our throats? He campaigned on reforming healthcare and I voted for him to do just that. He's only "forcing" it down the throats of those that refuse to acknowledge that they lost the election and yet want to pretend they won. You know that it doesn't work that way. Or do you only respect the results of elections that go your way? Since when is your opinion of the way Israel is treated the only one that matters? I for one am totally against spending another cent or another moment worrying about Israel. They worry only about their own interests without a thought as to how it might affect our interests. We should do the same.
On a lighter note I am envious that you live in heaven on earth.
Enjoy your day sir.
rwisher | 8.21.09 @ 12:04AM
In my world things are fairly simple, I was raised by a father who kept his word and was loyal to his friends. He was raised by a man who would have stood shoulder to shoulder with John Wayne. Both men influenced me with their strength, common sense and loyalty to family and friends. When my grandfather passed, my dad's comment was "He was a good man." That said it all.
I consider Ben Stein of that same caliber. He is a modest, humble man of strength, loyalty and honesty. He speaks the truth, for he has no reason to lie. He speaks humbly, even though his words hold meaning and should be heard. He is loyal to a fault, a virtue missing in most of both worlds he inhabits- that of Hollywood and that of Washington. He gets criticized for being who he is. Yet over the years he gets up and lives his life as his parent taught to do. Those around him do not realize what a treasure they possess, which is their loss.
Me, I know better. Someday, hopefully a far, far away day, I'll hear that Ben is gone from us. When that day comes I say what needs to be said,
"He was a good man."
David W.| 8.21.09 @ 11:54AM
Ben, thank you for sharing your secret - prayer conquers all. Would that more of my fellow Americans would spend more time in prayer and contemplation. I freely admit to being a Ben Stein fan and admirer, for reasons quite obvious in your writing and thinking. Please continue to remind us of the truly important parts of life.
Nancy R| 8.21.09 @ 12:26PM
RIP Mrs. Friedman. You are now reunited with your wonderful husband.
Osamas Pajamas| 8.22.09 @ 2:39AM
If your enemy is hungry, poison the SOB and plant him head-first in the closest dumpster.
Marc Jeric| 8.25.09 @ 5:39AM
Abu Hussein from Kenya is much more than an empty suit. He may show up with that smirk on his ace, the nose in the air like a modern Julius Caesar; but he follows faithfully the precepts originated by VI Lenin lo so many years ago. He has his ACORN local soviets in place ("community organizations"); he also has the government employee unions lined up for action (teachers ans SEIU); both of these financed by the "stimulus" money, all $9 billion so far; the only peace missing are the military soviets - so watch for those to show up. Our communists in Washington know very well that a communist dictatorship can only be established in times of really big crises - depression, runaway inflation, civil war, riots, burning cities, strikes, sabotage, street conflicts, prison riots, external threats, terrorist attacks, racial attacks, etc. Our universities are ready to supply all brownshirts and eco-nazis needed to upend private enterprise. Nationalizations, extraordinary powers, state of emergency - well, you see, it all happened before to this former refugee from a communist hell.
Otherwise - thank God for Ben Stein and his serenity in these trying times and RIP Mrs. Friedman.
thinkingabovemypaygrade| 8.25.09 @ 12:14PM
Do the federal government elected (and unelected) officials feel bound to tell the truth?
While lying (or playing "dumb" to the clear implications of a bill) are done by both parties, today the DEM party rules almost all...
TOO MANY of their top adherents...(I suspect) see the TRUTH as only a tool they will use---if it works for them.
Thus, if the HEALTHCARE bill (or any of the other massive bills foisted on us) need only contain enough power grabs and enough vague language --- to enable them to interpret it ANY WAY THEY WANT.
And that's the true nightmare...SUPER CONTROL by persons of the mostly far left---who do NOT like humans all that much.
************************
Final thot:
And will it be YOUR healthcare that gets rationed if you become a known activist against their political machine?
thinkingabovemypaygrade| 8.25.09 @ 12:15PM
RIP to a strong woman who might well have been squelched -silenced under a more totalitarian regieme.
A society without quality strong women---is deficient.
ROBERTA SUE| 9.10.09 @ 12:28PM
I admire and respect you Ben, so you tell me what to do. I am 18 months unemployed, in my mid-50's, no financial cushion, spouse disabled with vicious Crohns Disease, and I require daily treatment for an eye condition, without which I cannot see. My health insurance cost just increased to $660 a month in the same month that I came to the end of my unemployment benefits. What do I do now? Please apply your theories to my real-world scenario. Your friend, RSD
Pingback| 2.21.10 @ 8:20AM
Deep Breathing - How It Can Simultaneously Improve Health And Bring You Closer To You links to this page. Here’s an excerpt: