In an era of real economic, political and international crises, it is incumbent upon the eletorate to communicate to its reprentatives in Washington to stop wasting time debating such issues as gay marriage and flag burning, and take up the real problems we face as a nation.

Although it appears that the Bush Administration's pressuring of Ehud Olmert to negotiate with the powerless Mahmoud Abbas is pointless, there may, in fact, be method to the apparent madness.

The current debate about immigration raises valid points on both sides, but ultimately misses the real issue facing America: that is, the question of how we are to compete economically with other countries with much cheaper labor forces, and the desire to displace us as the world's preeminent economic engine.

A weaker housing market is the final element of a confluence of economic currents which, if left unchecked, may well lead to a financial debacle for America's Middle Class Homeowner. This can be averted only with luck, or by timely action at the State and Federal Legislative and Regulatory levels.

The frothy real estate market is noticably and dramatically softening in a way that is reminiscent of the latter days of the overblown dotcom phenomenon, and opportunity may await those with patience to keep their powder dry pending better opportunities in the next year or two.

Bankruptcy Reform may be backfiring on those who funded it: banks and credit card issuers, as reduced usage and balance reduction, by those who can manage it is hurting the profit centers, while obstacles to others will, the author submits, lead to calls for revisions to protect consumers.

The erosion of civil liberties is an issue that needs more public discussion, whether or not one agrees with the Bush Administration's War on Terror and policies in Iraq, as the author does. The issue is vital to all Americans all across the political spectrum.

The Jewish Community has a particular moral obligation to stand up in protest against the outrages being perpetrated in Darfur, or to stop complaining about past and present world indifference to Jewish suffering.

Creditors, already stuck with bad receivables in bankruptcy cases are doubly outraged when they are then sued for a 'preference,' which is a certain kind of payment made on the eve of bankruptcy. Recent amendments to the Bankruptcy Code have substantially leveled the playing field.

Certain changes in the bankruptcy laws, which were enacted 'under the radar screen' afford dramatic improvements in the rights of commercial landlords, at just the time when they might come in handiest, due to a slowing economy and softer real estate values.