My friend Adam Cintz died yesterday at the age of 99. His life was full and his family was near. He survived two wives and was a success in business and in the community. He was a cheerful presence to all and until recent months continued to read voraciously and tinker in his workshop. All of us will miss him deeply and my heart goes out to the family as they cope with their loss. His sons and their families loved him dearly and will carry on his legacy of bringing good to our world.

Forty years ago, newly ex-Beatle John Lennon captured the attention of the world with his evocative, quasi-Marxist utopian ballad, Imagine. He cried for a world free from borders, nations, possessions, religion and war with everyone “living for the world.” The song remains a favorite of folks over 50 and all who share its collectivist and globalist sentiments. Though I do not share the late singer’s philosophy, I do resonate with the desire for a better world, free from the passions that divide us and incite so much hatred and violence.

Today is the 7th of May in the year of our Lord 2010. I live in the USA, a republic with more than 300 million citizens from around the world. I love the vast landscapes and tall skyscrapers. I love the diverse cultural, political and religious communities that make our nation the envy of the world. I am aware of our current problems and the serious challenges to our future. I will continue to write about them in future essays.

The recent furor over the Arizona’s decision to enforce federal standards for immigration reveals deep confusion and devastating subversion concerning our national identity. In the name of compassion and social justice, and amidst fears of a police state, Arizona is being boycotted, demonized and harassed for standing up for her citizens. What is often not visible is the hypocrisy of the Right who revel in the undocumented labor and exploit the needs of millions crossing the border from Mexico.

One of the challenges in today’s public square is our captivity to “McThinking” -fascination with memorable phrases and sweeping declarations, regardless of their empty content. Pundits on the right love to extol the “magic of the market.” and the importance of “family values.” Bloggers on the left speak passionately about compassion, tolerance and equity. Meanwhile, millions need work, help with housing and wisdom for living in the real world.