Is it possible that someone could write an editorial (JPost, Ynet, can you hear me?) on Jewish or Israeli life where the sky is not falling? And if it is falling, do you think that yelling at it (pardon, critiquing it) will actually help matters?

Ultimately, I believe this is really a conflict about mobilizing every citizen into action, not simply modifying Haredi behavior. Just like Israel must learn to use each drop of water efficiently and ecologically, the same is true for human talent.

This waste of talent is the same waste that has taken place in every society, possibly since the dawn of civilization. Twain wrote of his version of heaven where each resident gets to use their maximum talent, talent which is appreciated by everyone.

If Israel can resolve this properly, becoming a society where talent is not wasted—has this happened before? Or will new ground be broken?