I didn't vote in the recent local Modi'in elections because I never took the time to find out what each candidate stood for and didn't want to vote blind. About ten days ago, I realized that my knowledge of national politics here was pretty vague so I set about educating myself. I've been reading, attending forums (okay, I attended one, but it was very informative) and talking to people to see what they think and why. I also used the Israel Electoral Compass but didn't find it particularly helpful.
Look, I'm not going to bore you (or myself) telling you about how the parliamentry system here is set up. It's pretty much a catastrophe, where members of the Knesset (Israel's parliament) don't have to answer directly to specific regional constituents and therefore do whatever they please once elected. You vote for a party and the party that collects the most seats chooses the prime minister. Should be fun to watch.
I've formed my opinion and it's down to 2 parties. I'll decide when I'm in the voting booth. (Does Israel even have voting booths?) The truth is that no matter who wins, I think we're all screwed. I comfort myself by saying that although we think men and women run this country, we know Who Is Really Running the Show.
One thing is for sure, whether you're right, left, middle, green, pensioner, Jewish House, Israel House, National Union, or whatever: most of us are going to enjoy the day off tomorrow.
So let the stormy weather begin. L-rd knows we need the rain.
For those of you living in Israel who are still undecided, here are some election day links to help you along.
West Bank Mama
The Muqata's Guide to Voting
See who Benji is voting for
Esser Agaroth also has an opinion
Rafi interviews Uri Blank of Ichud Leumi
An endorsement for Israel Beitenu
Batya thinks a vote for Likud is a vote for Kadima
You can find these links and many more at Haveil Havalim.
Soldiers have already voted at their bases.
7 comments:
B"H
Yep. I'd say catastrophe is an accurate way of describing the system.
I'm voting for rain.
Thanks for the links.
Oh, today is the day.
I was 100% sure of my vote until last night.
For the first time, my husband and I are not supporting the same party.
We have been debating the issue for weeks. I was the one who was certain of my vote. He was the one deliberting.
Last night, he was quite definite about who his vote and made a strong case.
Yuch. Now it's election day and I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders!
I'm so glad I can sit back and watch the show.
Benji has a good idea. But Carl in Jerusalem voted for snow; that sounded even better (does it ever, ever snow in Modi'in?)
Enjoy election holiday.
It snowed one day in Tapu'ah {just south of Shchem}, and stayed on the ground for a day. We're 2200 ft. in elevation.
I heard it once snowed in Modiin, but it was an icy sort of snow that stayed on the ground for a couple of hours before it melted. It really is to warm here for snow.
The rain's a blessing. Voting is our hishtadlut. G-d help us.
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