And So It Begins

We in Israel are approaching elections before the end of this year. In fact, a motion to dissolve the Knesset and hold elections earlier than necessary (October) just passed its first reading. This means that we are already watching the posturing and maneuvering and shifting of positions. 

And, of course, the lying.

Everyone knows that politicians lie. They tell voters, pundits, journalists, and fellow politicians anything that they think will get them more votes. There is really no need to elaborate on this, except that I will share my favourite. After having promised the electorate in Israel that he will not remove Jews from their homes, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip, taking 9000 Jews out of their homes. I had always known that politicians lie all the time (read my lips).  If, however, there was one on whom you could rely to uphold that promise, it was Arik Sharon. But he lied. It was then that I officially stopped caring about elections, candidates, polls, and coalitions. I vote, but only because I can. For whom? What’s the difference – they are all liars. 

It  should be noted that they don’t always lie. If I were a betting man, I would say that yes, when Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) says that he will do whatever is necessary to keep his voter block out of the IDF, that is a safe bet. When Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas rejects the idea that Arabs should participate in national service for the State of Israel, he means it. (I think he is correct in that position, but that is for another time). 

We are in a turbulent period, and we as a people are in dire need of leaders with character. Sadly, what we are left with is characters.

There are exceptions, to be sure. Menachem Begin was respected by political opponents because he had a decency about him that overrode political opportunity. Natan Sharansky tried politics for a short period, but got out after two elections (early 2000’s) and maintained his self-respect. When presidential candidate Al Gore chose Sen. Joseph Leiberman as his running mate, every senator, congressman and talking head who was asked about the choice used the term “moral integrity” to describe him. 

Some mothers do have ‘em. 

I do not need to hear from these opportunistic, self-important, egotistical wannabees what they will or will not do, or who they will or will not sit with in government, or who they will or will not support for particular positions. Nonetheless, they will tell me, and so I am forced to scroll away from the discussions and debates, the declarations and denials. 

But that’s OK. Dry Bar Comedy is considerably more entertaining.