4 | DECEMBER 1 • 2022

for openers

Let’s Talk Money
W

e have heard that
a fool and his
money are soon
parted and that all that glitters
is not gold.
However,
having faced
inflation, feared
recession and
always sweated
while checking
our latest credit
card statements,
we are not
always aware of how many
phrases based on monetary
units invade our daily talk.
Someone who is always
hiding his true self is as phony
as a three-dollar bill. (Used to
be two-dollar, but we actually

came out with those once.)
Smart shopper? Then you
are getting the best bang for
your buck. Seeking a quick
return? You are desirous of
a fast buck, especially if you
are strapped for cash. Ah,
the power of the almighty
dollar! Be wary, though, of
betting your bottom dollar
on something; you may not
always get your money’s
worth.
If asked to keep a secret,
you may press for hush
money. (Has no one heard
that money talks?)
Cheap goods? Do not
purchase something that is
a dime a dozen; that is not
always a good buy. (Though

it may be goodbye to your
funds.) On the reverse, be
wary of paying top dollar
for something or feeling that
you are being asked to pay
through the nose.
Have you ever waited too
long to decide on something
only to realize that you
are a day late and a dollar
short? At all costs, never give
someone a blank check or
you will discover you are out
some serious cold, hard cash.

Remain in control of your
purse strings.
When asking for some mad
money, you may have been
reminded that money does
not grow on trees, and no
parent was going to just pour
money down the drain.
Well, for those still having
to live paycheck to paycheck,
remember that a penny saved
is a penny earned. No, that
advice is not worth its weight
in gold, but it’s a sure bet.

Sy Manello
Editorial
Assistant

PURELY COMMENTARY

statement

Rise of Antisemitism in America

W

hen antisemitism,
in word and deed,
goes unanswered,
the voice of oppression is the
only one heard. Hate by any
vehicle, toward any group
must not go unanswered. The
recent rise in antisemitism is
horrifying. Sacred spaces and
objects are being vandalized.
White nationalists and others
are emboldened and spread
racism and antisemitism on
social media with impunity. The
Jewish community are rightfully
angry and fearful. Many ques-
tion the seeming dearth of out-
rage in the wider community.
These antagonists foster divi-
sion in society through hateful

rhetoric and force. This is an
endemic situation causing great
harm. The Anti-Defamation
League reports that antisemitic
incidents are on the rise nation-
wide — averaging more than
seven incidents per day.
When the integrity of
democracy is under fire as well
as the rights of those who are
marginalized by racial, social or
political differences, our faith
communities must act within
the context of our shared values.
We must not quietly speak in
private social channels but call
out hatred often and loudly.
The InterFaith Leadership
Council of Metropolitan Detroit
unites people of faith, interfaith

groups and networks to collab-
orate within the Metropolitan
Detroit community. It also
advocates for conflict resolution
and interfaith education. The
IFLC publicly advocates for reli-
gious freedom, civil discourse,
humane and compassionate
acceptance of refugees, and
works against bigotry and ill-
will. We do this through edu-
cational programs advancing
religious literacy and fostering a
community based in common
values.
At this time, we express our
solidarity with the Jewish com-
munity. We condemn all threats
to their safety and well-being.
We share their justifiable out-

rage. The current climate of
rampant bigotry is entirely
unacceptable.
The Board of Directors of the
InterFaith Leadership Council
of Metropolitan pledges to
openly oppose all acts of hatred
through continuous public
commentary, youth and adult
education, and community
engagement around shared
values.
We will promote understand-
ing and respect for all. Nothing
else is acceptable.

The InterFaith Leadership Council of

Metropolitan Detroit are clergy and

laypeople seeking to nurture interfaith

connection, conciliation and education.

INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT