Opinion
Fringe games
Yoaz Hendel
Published: 31.10.12, 11:24
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15 Talkbacks for this article
1. real dangers
israel israeli ,   tel aviv   (10.31.12)
The fringe are the fringe, and a democracy knows how to handle them: don't vote for them. The real danger to democracy comes from the central players, especially the High Court that has not only failed in protecting democracy, but takes actions to undermine democracy The court did not intervene when: Rabin bought Goldfarb for money AG refused to investigate Barak for corruption AG refuses to end their farcical investigation of Lieberman Sharon stole Likud votes to set-up Kadima Sharon's illegal use of police and army during the Ethnic Cleansing When Mazuz illegally appointed Olmert PM instead of Netanyahu When Olmert's troops illegally attacked protesters in Amona When police illegally prevent Jews from praying on the Temple Mount, in contempt of court When their is super-enforcement against Jews but no enforcement against Arabs.
2. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Baruch Marzel and Michael Ben-Ari.
Haim ,   TA   (10.31.12)
Belong behind bars they are a cancer on the body of Jewdism and Israel.
3. What about the Ultra-Orthodox?
Scarborough1414 ,   Scarborough, Canada   (10.31.12)
If we're going to ban the fringe right from the Knesset, let's go all out; ban the fringe left (the ones who want to hand Israel to our enemies on a silver platter), ban the Arab parties who consort with our enemies and while we're at it, ban the Ultra-Orthodox parties that exist solely as a means to drain money from the treasury in order to finance their peculiar lifestyle and to destroy Israeli democracy. (I should be able to ride a bus without having to play musical chairs; if I want to drive on Sat. because it's the only day of week I get off work, I should be able to without FRUMMIES blocking the street and stoning my car; if my wife or daughter want to wear something stylish in warm weather, they should be able to decide their fashion choices for themselves without FRUMMIES threatening them over transgressions of their (the frummies) stupid modesty (tzniut) rules). In short, the public space belongs to ALL of us, not just to the FRUMMIES, and anyone trying to claim ownership of the public sphere should be hauled away and severely punished. But no, Israel is too morally weak to build up its centre at the expense of the fringes. (This is why I'm in no hurry to make aliyah).
4. Ben Gvir recently awarded 13,000NIS by the police
Ilan   (10.31.12)
If he were such a threat to Israeli democracy and operating outside the law then he would be in prison. Instead he has repeatedly shown by convincing the courts with evidence that the authorities use illegal methods to suppress public dissent. He isn't meeting with terrorists in Ramalla and defaming the country abroad like a Zuaretz or a Avrum Burg. He abides by the law. What is more of a threat to democracy is the politically biased enforcement of the law by our judicial system.
5. How can you compare...?
Ari   (10.31.12)
How can the author compare three attention-seekers with people who - as he himself mentions - openly consort with and support terrorists? There is no comparison. Marzel and co. are pretty nuts, but yes, under a democracy they have a right to be nutty and even to run for Knesset. However, Tibi, Zouabi and co. should NOT have the right - even under a democracy - to support killers and murderers who oppose the State's very existence.
6. It is intolerable to ban patriotic parties.
Chaim ,   Israel   (10.31.12)
Whether or not one agrees with Kahanist parties; they are patriotic parties. It is intolerable to ban them. The bans should be rescinded immediately.
7. Unelected radical leftist activist judiciary
BH ,   Iowa   (10.31.12)
Disproportionately powerful labor union and overwhelming government bureaucracy are the real anti-democratic forces in Israel. We've seen this reflected in an increasingly conservative electorate unrepresented by politicians who are hamstrung by the leftist establishment. No one can say Netanyahu's record this term in any way resembles his party's principles - or the will of the voters. It looks like the radical left is concerned their stranglehold on power may one day be broken.
8. SECURE BIG ISRAEL, nonviolent transfer, BALANCE, time, PEACE
Jerry ,   The Netherlands   (10.31.12)
9. If leftist extremists like Meretz are also banned then fine
Alex   (10.31.12)
10. I would like to vote for Marzel and Ben-Gvir!
olim hadashim ,   tel aviv/israel   (10.31.12)
Enough of these leftist thieves !
11. Democracy? Ivet tells us what to think and Bibi is King?
miki ,   tampa   (11.01.12)
12. To # 1
Stan ,   Israel   (11.01.12)
The Supreme Court is the only body in Israel which is preventing people like you from turning Israel into a dictatorship !
13. Well written Yoaz
Stan ,   Israel   (11.01.12)
Usually I am not a fan of yours, but your deductions here are sound.
14. # 7
Stan ,   Israel   (11.01.12)
The majority of workers in these powerful unions vote for Right wing parties.
15. # 6
Stan ,   Israel   (11.02.12)
Faschist Parties in Europe were always very patriotic.
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