An American in Paris

AN EDITED VERSION OF THIS PIECE APPEARS IN THE ON LINE VERSION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES ON NOVEMBER 14 AND IS SCHEDULED IN THE HARD COPY ON NOVEMBER 16


An American in Paris.
 
A  Jewish American.

"We're safe. But is anyone safe in this crazy world."

The earth is seemingly on fire this morning as Paris reels from another barbaric atrocity. As we are warned in pools of blood of the dire consequences of our continuing to interfere with those trumpeting the caliphate while they annihilate their own, cannibalizing the many thousands in their midst who fail to swear allegiance.

There are cheers this morning within the ranks of ISIS as they  demonstrate a depravity of unfathomable proportion. As if these cowardly acts are a sign of strength.

And in the seventh arrondissement sit my friends, wondering what has become of this world. They must be frightened, as we are for them. Come home soon. Be safe. If, as they so touchingly write, that is any longer possible.

An American in Paris. How times have changed.