Explaining the Elections
Note: updated with a few additional notes
As many will know, tomorrow is election day here in Israel. This means a day off for everyone (including schools).
This will be my second election in Israel, and when I speak with family abroad about the elections, and tell them where I am voting (approximately), the response is: “oh dear, oh dear”.
So what makes this liberal democrat who has only lived in “Blue States” vote so far to the right?
I guess the first part of the answer is that Left and Right are so different here. Both sides deal with social issues (or not) and many of the issues I had in America (abortion, religious freedom, education) are just dealt with so differently here.
Q: Why would someone who believes in religious tolerance/freedom vote for a religious party?
A: Because the parties on the Left are ANTI-religion….take a look at the lovely little commercial made by the Shinui party.
Q: But what about Kadima? They have people from all backgrounds? And they are going to save Israel, and the US likes them.
A: Kadima is made up with failed politicans from all parties…I wouldn’t trust Ehud Olmert to water my plants. I feel that this is a party of opportunists jumping on the bandwagon of a leader who is now in a coma.
Q: Well, what about Likud?
A: I think Bibi makes a great Finance Minister, and I’d love to see him back in that position. In order to run a country, you need to be a team player, and be willing to take advice….that has not been shown by Bibi….also he has pulled some power plays which I think are pretty scummy.
Q: But by not voting for Likud/Labor/Kadima you aren’t voting for the prime minister.
A: Such is life.
