Chess or Poker?

It's almost Shabbat and I don't have much time.

It seems like the entire world is in suspense, wondering which Israeli party leader will succeed in forming a coalition.

Lieberman is playing a straight forward chess game. He made his move, spoke to the other two, heard their offers and stated his conditions. Then he went on vacation, hoping they would stew and come back with bigger and better offers. Everyone can see that.

But maybe Bibi and Tsippi are playing a different game. They don't seem to be panicky, not at all.

If Only Bibi Had Listened To Me...

... Bibi would have won.

I wasn't really surprised by Bibi's failure to win big. Honestly, how many people like raw, unflavored tofu? How much satisfaction does one get from eating the bagel's hole? Bibi ran circles rather than giving the public solutions to our many problems.

Avigdor Lieberman read the polls correctly. The people want the Right answers, not diplomatic plattitudes. The Israeli media electioneered consistently for Tsippi, trying to show her as fun, human and the person "everyone" really wanted. So the confirmed conformists voted for her instead of putting the Retirees back to work in the Knesset.

Many of us who wanted straight, clear answers and principles voted for Ichud Le'umi.

Of course, it didn't get the publicity, nor have a leader with the power and charisma of Lieberman.

Election Day was stormy.

We braved the weather and voted, thankful for every drop of rain.

Now we must pray that those elected will be gifted with wisdom, G-d willing.

In Just Twenty-Four Hours...

In twenty-four hours, polls, the real thing, will open in Israel, and our elections will begin.
What's most amazing is the short memory of the Israeli Public

I don't remember where, but recently I saw a statement that every Israeli Prime Minister has left either in disgrace or unwillingly or with his/her reputation in tatters. I don't know if it's totally true, but it's pretty close.

What's most amazing is the short memory of the Israeli Public. I can't comprehend how Ehud Barak could be back in the running as head of the Labor Party. His "reign of terror" was totally unprecedented. Bibi left because the press hounded him, and he was "too green" as party leader (not ecology/reefer green) and didn't have his party under his control. Eshkol was too "grey" and boring, though he did a good job with the Six Days War.

I had been wondering how I'd describe my state of mind, when I came across an interesting meme on The Jewish Side.

I have to finish sentences, and that's how I'll pre-election post on the blog.

1-I wish I could… have more influence in Israeli politics and policy.

2-My biggest fear is… that Israelis will continue to vote for dangerous politicians.

3-I hate to… think that nobody is thinking, nobody is listening.

4-I love… to meet people who say: "I read your articles and agree with you."

5-Today I will… take care of body and soul.

6-Yesterday I… babysat for the grandkids, Baruch Hashem, thank G-d.

7-My hair is… covered. I'm a Torah Jew and married.

8-I will never… cease to fight for what I think is right.

If you're willing, please link back to this post and do the meme. Thanks

G-d willing, the Israeli electorate will be gifted with wisdom.