When I publish a blog in the Times of Israel, I often wonder (and I assume all bloggers do) “Will it be well received?” How many “likes” or comments will it get? Will any reader bother to give me or my story any accolades?
Well, lo and behold, my story entitled, “The Anne Frank Neighbor Conundrum” hit new heights. Here are two comments, (one as a poem with the help of ChatGPT) my readers published:
Good morning, Mort! I just read your Anne Frank Neighbor Story–excellent as usual! I wish I could say I wrote a poem about you, but it was with the help of AI. I want to post it in the comments, but I wanted to get your approval first. I keyed a few words and I think it captured the essence of how I see you. What it left out was that I envy you because we were raised in the South to keep our opinions to ourselves so as not to offend anyone. We can’t say “No!” and my mom always said, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything!” You are my “Hero!” and the the poem is attached.—Jim
Mort Laitner
Mort is my friend; he is my hero. He speaks his mind; he tells it like it is. He does not fear to offend or to err. He has the b**** of a bull; he is fearless.
Mort stands for what is right; he does not bend. He challenges the wrong; he exposes the lies He is a warrior of light; he is our defender. He has the heart of a lion; he is wise.
Mort inspires me to be myself; he is my role model. He shows me how to live with courage and truth. He is a friend indeed; he is my soul mate. He has the soul of a poet; he is my muse.
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If you are based in Florida, perhaps you can become an advisor for Governor Ron DeSantis. You are intelligent, qualified, and articulate. This is a meaningful article.—Sam
_Well, Jim and Sam, I’m flabbergasted by your praise; I thank both of you (and ChatGPT) with all of my heart.
