Budget-Cutting

Israel's annual budget crisis has the pundits in suspense. Will the government fall or not? This latest budget has no real supporters. Coalition partners contend that it violates all agreements. The Labor Party will discuss it today. They aren't the only coalition party who opposes it; the Pensioners Party campaigned for better pensions, and the budget goes against its principles.

But this is politics, not principles. The politicians are happy with their perks. Consider how many ministers there are, 25! And they already have their Knesset salaries. It's a good business, nu? There are families in this country, with kids, who have to live on less than those ministers get as "clothing allowance."

The United States, which is a much larger country, has a smaller Cabinet, and it isn't filled with senators and congressmen:

The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments-the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, and the Attorney General. Under President George W. Bush, Cabinet-level rank also has been accorded to the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; Director, Office of Management and Budget; the Director, National Drug Control Policy; and the U.S. Trade Representative.

Now, if there's a need for reducing Israeli national expenses, I'd dump the Cabinet. Since it's filled with Knesset Members, who have parallel committees, the committees can do the job of the ministries. Why duplicate things?

If there's a need for tightening belts, let it start with those who can afford suits.

Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach