Who Said That Trump's Not a Politician?

There's a very important characteristic in politicians. They can act charming and friendly even with people who have maligned and insulted them, people they really can't stand with good reason. To be a good/professional/successful politician one must be able to swallow ego and pride at times.

Donald Trump and Barack Hussein Obama

When the Obamas had to host the Trumps, it certainly was difficult for all of them. The Obamas had both campaigned for Hillary by so seriously maligning Donald Trump that they definitely skirted or crossed legal barriers in the nasty things they said about him. But they did the proper thing, and Trump said all of the nice words, as if the negative malicious campaigning had never happened.

Donald Trump and his team have also been in touch with many powerful establishment Republicans, even though they did their best to sabotage his campaign for the Presidency. And, no doubt, quite a few powerful positions will go to them.

Trump and Romney meet

Donald Trump could never have built some of his massive projects, for example all of the changes to the West Side of Manhattan that had to be done for Riverside Blvd and the buildings there, if he wasn't a "politician."

To be a successful politician, one must be a pragmatist and be willing to work with everyone to achieve your goal.

Yuck! Trump is Like All The Rest!

Why does political success close people's eyes to the truth?
re: Donald Trump

I had been hopefully optimistic when in earlier statements by US President Wannabe, Donald Trump, he had admitted that the situation here in the Middle East between Israel and the enemy Arabs is a lot more complicated than most like to admit, and there's no easy solution. But it seems that with the addition to his staff of the more conventional advisors and speechwriters, that he, too, has delusions that a "solution" can be brokered/invented/imposed.

Trump: I'd love to broker an Israel-PA peace deal
Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on Sunday said he would love to broker a peace settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, The Jewish Insider reported.
Trump’s comments came during a campaign rally in Terre Haute, Indiana, where primaries will be held on Tuesday. Trump said that seeing Israel and the Palestinians sign on a peace deal would be a “beauty” in spite of the situation on the ground.
“I am going to try and make that deal just because – man, would that be a beauty – if you like deals. I like deals. I do deals. That would be great,” he said.

Yes, the closer they all get to power, the dumber they get. Why does political success close people's eyes to the truth?

All I can think of is that there's a visual similarity between the words:

eye   ego

If you don't read carefully, if you don't look at the actual letters, you can easily confuse them. This happens with certain types of "learning difficulties"/dyslexia-as umbrella term.

All I can say that the physical/graphic similarities between the two words are not coincidental at all. When the ego gets too large it replaces the eye, and that is how these "big" powerful people end up with the dumbest opinions and plans. Yes, it seems like Trump is no different from the rest of them. A plague on them all...

Still if I was to vote in American Presidential Elections I'd vote Republican, the least of the evils.

Concerning the State of Israel, our help and salvation come from Gd Almighty and our observing the Gd given Mitzvot. It doesn't really matter who rules other countries. Here in Israel we need a Government that recognizes that we are not like other countries, nor other nations, nor other religions. When we act correctly, then other countries will respect us, Gd willing.

Negative Voting: They are All Crooks, Liars or Both! Part 1

I've reached a rather jaded stage in my following of politics, an occupation or hobby I've had for over half a century. There isn't a political party I support either here in Israel or in my native United States of America. If you read my political articles here (this blog,) you know that I don't vote in American Elections, although I'm not shy about blogging/writing my opinions. And I've reached the conclusion that if I was to vote in the 2016 Presidential Elections, I'd cast a "negative vote." That means that I'd vote for anybody but a Democrat. I'd vote Republican, not because I think a specific candidate is so great, but because as weak or rotten as the Republicans may be, the Democrats are a gazillion times worse.

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Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by REUTERS/Brian Snyder and iStock.

The two only Democratic frontrunners promote foreign policy, not only in terms of US-Israel Relations, but in general which I consider as bad for the world. Not only wouldn't either be any better than the present POTUS himself, but don't forget that Hillary was Obama's first Secretary of State and is responsible for some of his bad moves, when he was still on a learning curve. And Bernie has been on the extreme Left of the American political spectrum since POTUS was in diapers.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

And although I've written some blog posts which could be perceived as pro-Trump, I really don't think he'd be all that different from Cruz would be if elected. My feeling is that in order to win, the Republican machine must rally around someone with a good chance, because otherwise the Democrats will just use the anti-Trump or whomever statements in their campaign later on. It will just backfire. A lot of time and money were invested in Bush III and some other losers who hadn't a chance in hell to win. The "machine" should have just done their campaigning as a national anti-Democrat campaign and let the wannabes fight it out without interference.

Many of my friends are hoping for a Cruz nomination. He has been making inroads in the primaries, and it would be easier for the Republicans to market him.

You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned much about ideology and platforms. It's more image and marketing and branding that really counts in politics and elections. So few politicians who make it to office end of keeping their promises. In Israel they claim that "it looks different from here." And I think a lot can also be blamed or credited to the "Yes, Minister" syndrome which humorously portrayed how little power the office holder/minister has versus his bureaucratic/permanent/civil service staff.

When I, bli neder (no vow,) write a Part 2, I'll tell you about the much more complicated Israeli political system.

Words, Words, Words, aka LIES!

I think it'll be easier if we're all mentally prepared. Kerry's coming for another of his "visits," and no doubt his speeches will be peppered with lots of "sympathy" and crocodile tears for the Jewish victims of Arab terror.

Since we know that he's just a marionette of Barack Hussein Obama, I don't want to hear that "finally he is saying something good" and other naive responses.

Today's politicians are just actors saying lines. And they'll say whatever they and their handlers think will bring them more votes or better standings in the polls.

And don't forget that Hillary Clinton is really great at pretending she loves Israel and Jews. She's been part of the biggest and most popular faux "lovebirds couple" for about a half a century already. The Bill and Hillary act deserves multiple Oscars.

If Hillary "regrets kissing  Suha Arafat," it's only because the picture hasn't been forgotten. Hillary wants to be President of the USA, and that kiss can lose her votes. As Muslim (Arab Muslim) terrorism spreads all over the world, more and more people are seeing the connection between Arafat's Palestinians and those terrorists attacking Paris, Mali etc.

Please remember that all their speeches from public figures and politicians all over the world are crafted to make people like and respect them. It's all fake. Judge actions, not well rehearsed words.

Sexual Shenanigans in High Places, Moshe Dayan vs Bibi Netanyahu vs Moshe Katzav vs Sylvan Shalom

To be clear to all, I do not condone the behavior of any of these actual philanderers. I'm just wondering about the honesty in those Israelis who are suddenly demanding a standard of behavior that had never been demanded before. And I also wonder about the power of accusations that can stop careers. It's a dangerous weapon. No real proof is needed.

Davka, now when past-United States President Bill Clinton's former mistress, Monica Lewinsky, has opened up about their affair, the Israeli public is putting a moral microscope on its ambitious politicians.
There seems to be new rules in the game here in Israel.

Maintaining that her affair with Clinton was one between two consenting adults, Lewinsky writes that it was the public humiliation she suffered in the wake of the scandal that permanently altered the direction of her life: “Sure, my boss took advantage of me, but I will always remain firm on this point: it was a consensual relationship. Any ‘abuse’ came in the aftermath, when I was made a scapegoat in order to protect his powerful position. . . . The Clinton administration, the special prosecutor’s minions, the political operatives on both sides of the aisle, and the media were able to brand me. And that brand stuck, in part because it was imbued with power.”

Israel was once more like France, giving its male leaders lots of leeway to sleep with whomever whenever. Things seem to be changing here. Yesterday I caught a TV talk show on the topic of morality in which the speakers insisted that a philanderer should be barred from high public office. Considering that such public morality runs contrary to the previous practice, there must be many ambitious Israelis who wonder if their successful careers will suddenly go up in a very public "smoke."

Moshe Dayan's philandering was not only legendary, philandering/adultry was part of his public persona.

Israel's most famous soldier, the late Moshe Dayan, is also widely considered the nation's most famous adulterer.
"Think what we would have lost if Moshe Dayan had been fired -- a chief of staff who won the Sinai War and a defense minister who won the Six Day War," said Dankner.
Dayan's daughter, Yael Dayan, agrees. She says the fact that her father was a recognized philanderer did not harm his reputation or his country.
"Someone who is disloyal to their wife, or a woman who is disloyal to her husband, doesn't mean they will be disloyal to their country," she said, adding that it can even boost an officer's career.

PM Binyamin Netanyahu was allowed continue his career after an unprecedented public admission/confession. And other top Israeli politicians had well-known affairs that were never condemned. That's one of the strange things about former President Moshe Katzav's conviction. Had the Israeli moral standards changed, or was it because he is the only Likud member to make it to the office of President?

Sylvan Shalom and wife
Judy Shalom-Nir-Mozes

The biggest problem with the Katzav conviction was lack of proof other than the alleged words of the women.  Accusations against Sylvan Shalom were based on old history and hearsay.

Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein on Wednesday officially closed the sex crimes investigation against Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom...
...First, the initial probe was started due to allegations of sex crimes by Shalom against an employee from around 15 years ago – meaning no indictment could be filed because too much time has passed.
Second, although the police were told of several other alleged incidents of sex crimes by Shalom in more recent years, also against employees, each incident had a roadblock that prevented prosecution.
In some cases the women informally confirmed the incident but refused to formally testify to police and in other cases the women denied the incident or could not be located.

Proof, conviction or not, Sylvan Shalom's candidacy for the Presidency went "poof."

That is the danger. It is just too easy to throw in a sex wrench to stop an opponent's political career. Of course, it would be much easier if all, both males and females would uphold truly moral marriages without cheating and without affairs, G-d willing...

Elections? Does It Really Make a Difference??

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There's a cynic in me. 

And that cynic makes me wonder if it really matters who wins elections.  So many elections promises, platforms etc are just lies.

I'm among the  political pundits, who write and write and worry and read all about the candidates, whether here in Israel or in the United States, and there are many more whose expertise is other countries...

Don't get me wrong.  I do enjoy it, and I love looking at history, including way back when to the Bible for similarities, parallels etc.

But too often, no matter what the politicians promise and who we think they are, we are terribly disappointed.

Now, why is it that we can't trust the politicians? 

• They'll say anything to get elected.  The job/aim of a politician is to get elected.  Remember that candidates and office holders have a staff of speechwriters and even bring in specialists for certain events.  Those writers write material that will get lots of applause and a healthy supply of laughter to suit the occasion.  Frequently, especially for special events, a politician will make a speech that is far removed from his/her policy. US President George Bush II gave a fantastic speech when in Israel a number of years ago.  It bore no relationship to how he and his his government had been treating Israel before and after.  My guess and research showed that it had probably been written by the brilliant Jewish writer Elie Weisel.
• The "Yes, Minister" syndrome.  "Yes, Minister" was a brilliant British political satire seen for years, later called "Yes, Prime Minister," on television.  Its message is that the government is really run by the permanent civil servants, and the elected official has no real power to make any change that isn't approved of by his/her "assistant."

• You can't trust anybody!  After the late Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin's "Sinai surprise, when he shocked his supporters and the world by offering  Egypt the Sinai in exchange for a very fragile peace.  Begin broke a longstanding Israeli principle when he destroyed Yamit and agricultural communities in the Sinai.  The Left would never have dared to do it.
• Once elected, forget the promises.  For decades, candidates for American office have made pilgrimages to Israel and promise to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.  This list goes as far back as Richard Nixon, 1972.  Before the 1967 Six Days War, American politicians hadn't realized that Americans cared about Israel. 

So even though I, as a politics-addict, just can't stop writing about elections, I know too well that it's all just a bluff, a very expensive series of lies and cons.  Politicians are hustlers and egomaniacs.  And with the success of Barack Hussein Obama, America now has a frontman who was chosen, groomed and trained to win elections.

PS  If you want to read some of my favorite political writers, (they don't all agree with me) all female for some strange reason....

Arlene Kushner
Caroline Glick
Ruthie Blum Ruthie doesn't have a site of her own.  She posts links of her latest on facebook and twitter.  She writes twice a week for Israel Hayom in English, which doesn't have a listing of articles by their writers.

What Do You Think? Who's The Most Dangerous Person in The Israeli Government/Politics?

For years, it has been clear to me, at least, that our various governments have just gotten us into more and more dangerous situations. How much of this is due to the proverbial "best intentions being the road to Hell," or more insidious underlying causes is difficult to say. It would require proving that some of our leaders owe their allegiance to something other than the independent State of Israel.

I guess that the recent weather has depressed me a bit. Each news headline, government pronouncement seems more ominous than its predecessor. And each of our governments manages to find more ways to endanger us.

Listed here are some Israeli leaders. Please rank (by commenting or blog about it) the ones you consider the top three most dangerous to Israeli security, independence and continued existence. You can add anyone you think I've left out. I'm interested in your reasons, too. Thank you

• Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
• Israeli President Shimon Peres
• Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
• Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon
• Defense Minister Ehud Barak
• Ehud Olmert
• Tsippi Livni
• Shaul Mofaz
• Ophir Paz-Pines
• Tzachi Hanegbi

Pears and Apples?

Or maybe it's more like string beans and bananas?

According to this Newsweek article, the American public isn't really happy with their politicians vying for the Presidency. Israelis aren't crazy about our choices either.

In some way they're all the same, insulated by self-serving staff and led by pollsters.

The need for millions of dollars to cover campaign expenses and pay all those salaries have made politicians all over the world, marketing-sensitive puppets, rather than inspiring ideologues.

Abraham Lincoln could never have been elected in today's world. His plain face and long speeches wouldn't go over well on the media. Pictures of FDR being lifted into his wheelchair would make the front pages, and JFK's casual affairs would be prime time news.

Americans vote for politicians who are like their plastic-wrapped individual slices of cheese.

In Israel, it's harder to "wrap" the politicians, since within minutes you can find someone who went to the same nursery school, youth movement, army unit or doctor. The rules are getting tougher as Katzav and Ramon have discovered the hard way.

I have another question.
Does Israel need the same sort of politician they have in the United States?

The United States is considered as "the leader of the free world." Its security is firm. Its existence isn't in danger. No matter who's elected the next president, it really won't make any difference in substance. The "War in Iraq" is a skirmish, thousands and thousands of miles away from its borders. Yes, soldiers are being killed, but not in numbers which affect more than their families and friends. And as the politicians say, America did not have to start that war. The United States was not in any danger. Personally, I can't understand why thousands of Iraqis and Americans had to die to give Sadaam Hussein a "fair trial." He was executed, and people are still dying.

In Israel the stakes are bigger, much bigger. Our country is being threatened by the Arabs on our borders and even further afield. They've already, in the 59 years the State of Israel has existed, started wars and kept up rocket and terror attacks all the time.

We don't need pre-packaged politicians with American election advisers. That's how Hizbullah had such an easy time arming South Lebanon to attack us last summer. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who is actually running again, at the advice of his American advisor, campaigned that he would withdraw the troops if elected. That's what he did, and to "sweeten it" for the terrorists, he did it so quickly that enormous quantities of expensive military equipment was left for the terrorists to use against us. For some peculiar reason, the Winograd Report glossed over it, just blaming those who were running the country last summer.

Israel does not need well-coiffed politicians or those who've had plastic surgery to make their eyes seem more open and alert.

We need true patriots who see the needs of our embattled country before any other considerations. That's the only type of person who can truly lead us.

G-d willing