Opinion
Friedmann alarms leftists
Shaul Rosenfeld
Published: 28.08.07, 07:34
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13 Talkbacks for this article
1. I was very anti-Friedman but am no longer sure .
redmiike ,   tel aviv and london   (08.28.07)
I have lived in Israel for 5 years but don't really have a fundamental understanding of what is taking place. I was originally against Friedman because I felt that he was trying to give politicians like Olmert more power. However the more articles that I read like this one cause me to feel that he is perhaps correct. I am right and not left wing and didn't like many of High Court's decisions but felt that it was held in was held in such high esteem by so many countries that it should probably not be changed ..
2. SC is out of control and needs a system of checks & balances
RBY ,   Zichron yaakov   (08.28.07)
in order to be put back into proper place. They should not have the power of the purse nor the ability to tell the executive what to do. They are there to interpret the law...period. Anymore than that is too much power.
3. Go Danny Go.
Reuven Brauner ,   Raanana, Israel   (08.28.07)
4. Friedmann vs. Supreme Court
Alon ,   Bet Shemesh, ISR   (08.28.07)
The court, and former Chief Justice Barak and his lackey successor, Dorit Beinisch, bear direct responsibility for judicial reform. The misuse of appointing only the like-minded elites, ignoring the state's Jewish character, failure to recognize minority/civl rights when the minority happens to be religious/nationalist, and more all have reduced the Court in our eyes. The reforms proposed are mild by comparison. They former justices cry out about 'democratic' nature but their own conduct has made the court the most undemocratic institution in Israel.
5. High court
edmundo ,   London UK   (08.28.07)
Yes, same goes for the rabbinic courts. Its the same old story, manipulate appointment of judges leaders, and claim to be a democracy, whereas in reality its a dictatorship.
6. Thanks for the brilliant write-up
Rafael   (08.28.07)
I tend to agree with the general ambience of this article, even though I dissenter to some of Friedman's actions. Kudos again for the brilliant work.
7. What Is Precisely at Stake
Adina Kutnicki ,   US   (08.28.07)
I remember getting chills up my spine when I read that Aaron Barak-the 'imperial legislator' of them all-crowed about his ability to mold the high court for 'social engineering'. In other words, their supreme angst comes from the real terror they feel when someone like Friedman threatens to legally shoot down their hegemony. Their far left worldwide (which includes ALL for the Arabs and post zionist leftists) and NOTHING for the zionists-religious or secular-makes them very nervous. If I were Friedman I would watch my back. The far left has a way of making 'accidents' happen.
8. The elite domination
John ,   nyc   (08.28.07)
Friedmann is a declared left of center. Yet he sees that the Judical system is out of control. It a recent article he stated that many people are needlessly investigated. The interesting thing is that of the list only one person is Left-wing. And, that person was threatening the election of the SC. Every other case was someone on the Right. Telling isn't it.
9. true leadership
John ,   nyc   (08.28.07)
To edmundo The religious court system never called itself democratic. The way people rise to the top is based on the support of the people. If the people no longer support the leaders they can and do move on. Some of these Rabbis have become political leaders. This makes them susceptible to other forces. I do think people like Rabbi Feinstein never did anything for himself. Let us separate religious leaders from political people who happen to be Rabbis.
10. You forgot to mention that Van Leer
Elazar ,   Haifa   (08.28.07)
is a far-leftist anti-Zionist pro-terror group that sponsors Maxist "Critical Theory" journals and promotes attacks on Israel's existence.
11. what all of you seem to miss
Vitaliy, Esq. ,   Brooklyn, USA   (08.29.07)
In parliamentary democracies, the legislature and the executive parts of the government are essentially together. You've seen it, Olmert or Blair want some law passed, most likely they will have it passed. The Supreme Court is the only check on such a system. If the law changing "standing" will be changed, Israel will turn into Britain, where all three branches are fused together! Then the last independent check on the government will be gone. Why do you think Olmert wants Friedman to get the law passed? Anyone wants to guess? Because the agreement with Abbas may be coming soon, and then, surely lots of different organizations will file suits in court. The problem will be that Friedman's law will deny all of you standing to have your case heard! And then, all that Olmert will have to do will be to vote in the Cabinet, or go ahead even without the vote. Open your eyes! Though the Court may be liberal, they will understand the need for a referendum on the Peace Agreements.
12. #11 is 100% correct!
freejay ,   Israel   (08.29.07)
Omlert appointed Friedman for exactly this reason. He used to be an honest man but now is on the payroll tooOlmert realises that to give away Israel to our enemies he has to take control of the courts first!. Friedman is the lefties hero, dont be fooled by the headline! DONT LET FRIEDMAN AND OLMET GET AWAY WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
13. #1 Mike..dont be fooled, this will give olmert all the power
freejay ,   Irael   (08.29.07)
The headline is a lie and very decieving! Olmert appointed Friedman to change the system!
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