For a very short time, I worked for David Brooks in one of his companies. When I made a suggestion to him, he said something like I want you to know that I am probably the smartest person you will ever meet. To which I replied, "David, I know a lot of very smart people, most of whom are in my own family." Since then, David Brooks has been a family joke, dubbed "the smartest man in the world."

I can't say I am surprised that his arrogance has led to his current predicament. I am convinced that arrogance can lead to the most serious of problems, but never expected that arrogance on a national level could tip the balance of the world.

We will recover from the foibles of David Brooks. What about the rest of the world's problems?

Instead of throwing a $10M bat mitzvah party, maybe David Brooks should try actually reading some Jewish texts. Like Pirke Avot where it says "Who is wise -- he who learns from all people" and "Arrogance takes a man out of the world."

Where are the investigations? Our soldiers lives in jeopordy with faulty vests, fraud and corruption on a grand scale, and war profiteering just for the fun of it? How much did this guy contribute to the Republicans? Who made the decision to use these vests? I want them punished and I'm not alone!

Yet another example ultimately, of Bush being asleep at the wheel while his cronies go on a spree at taxpayer's expense. Congress needs to kick its' oversight role back into gear and shine the light on the cockroaches.

Andrew and Elizabeth Brooks, two of his children, went to school with me. Elizabeth is now in London with her mother, where she is attending Southbank International School. Andrew, who graduated last year from The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, NY, is attending UMiami as an undergrad. I was at the infamous bat-mitzvah party, and yes, it was just as insane as everyone chalks it up to be. The adults recieved digital cameras as a party favor, while the kids received personalized sweatshirts, personalized Chrome Hearts necklaces, and video iPods. The invitations alone were extremely elaborate, and the party was nothing short of spectacular. However, buying hundreds of already spoiled children who you do not even know extremely expensive gifts? If you can't think of a better way to spend 10mil, hey, hand it over. I'll do something productive with it; say, buy ambulances and hospitals in Africa, pay for children's education, support efforts to create more peaceful, safe atmospheres in third-world countries, and feeding those who are not even sure of when their next meal will be. A productive use of money?

ase and point.

Mr. Brooks, Mr. President, celebrities and millionares world-wide: Have you ever said, "Wow, I'm starving."? So many people actually ARE starving. 10 million dollars could change the lives of so many people in such positive, productive ways; it makes me sick to think that one night of festivities and fun took priority over improving the lives of thousands of people world-wide.
Selfishness will get you nowhere; when you die, all that your life will mean to anyone is based on the impact you left on the world. You only get to do it once, no do-overs, so make it a good one, I beg of you.