Election campaigns resemble more and more a political circus, and regardless of the final result, we feel relieved when it's all over.
Prior to the Election Day, candidates usually make heavy promises (jobs, money, control) to specific groups in the population, to increase the number of their voters.
In my country, for example, the lucky group that gets it all is the ultra orthodox ('haredi') community. These people provide lots of voters (each family with an average of 7-11 kids).
Almost no political coalition is possible without the 'haredi' parties. The participation in the coalition gets them close to power and money. They are in fact a 'state within a state' with budgets, schools, privileges.
Corona virus outbreak has revealed the extent of the above alarming situation. All governments past and present are blamed for it. The current PM is accused of 'selling' the country to the 'haredim', of bringing about complete disintegration of the already fragile, highly heterogeneous nation - and asked through weekly protests - to resign.
In the USA there's a lot of talk now after the elections, about "healing the nation". How, exactly?
It's not only Trump , but all those millions of people who have voted for him in 2016 and now - almost half of the nation. If from the very beginning one shows nothing but contempt for their candidate and their voting, then what is to be expected of them now. They might try to do the same to Biden and his supporters - namely, delegitimation.
Oh, well, God can make things work in the right direction. There's, however, need for praying.
Agree,let's pray.
ReplyDeleteFirst, let the american people start the praying. Me and you will join them soon after.
DeleteVery true. I am tired of the politics, all around the world and in my own coutry...I didn't know about haredi, very interesting.Have a lovely week and stay safe!
DeleteIt wasn't always like that. Politics and politicians have greatly deteriorated during the last decades; the result is that we're not only tired of it, sometimes even disgusted by it.
DeleteWe're in for a tough time here, that's for sure. It will begin one person at a time. And that takes a long while. If anyone can build a coalition, it is Joe Biden. I think it will be easier to heal the US relationship with the world through rejoining the Paris Accord and the Iran/Nuclear Accord and WHO than it will be with the individuals, especially the far right, Neo Nazi contingent and conspiracy theorists. But he will try. Yes. Definite need for praying.
ReplyDeleteI think the relationship with the world is second in importance.The domestic issues should be given priority.
DeletePolitical circus indeed, probably in most countries if not all.
ReplyDeleteSadly, that's the situation in most countries of the world.
DeleteFascinating about the haredi and about Israeli elections. I don't know much about the politics in Israel so this was interesting to learn something new. I'm sure its just the tip of the iceberg so to speak about how Israel is made up politically. I don't know if America will heal or can be healed (of course with God all things are possible). Two divided sides and neither one seems to want to work for unity or a common goal. Lots of praying happening here :)
ReplyDeletebetty
The haredi phenomenon might cause many people (especially the young ones) to leave the country. The threat is very real.
DeleteI agree with everything you have said, because it is similar in a lot of ways to how the UK seems to be disintegrating. I have given up with trying to understand what is happening, and instead have made a daily effort at praying to God for help for us all, that we can somehow find our way. As you have said, 'there is a need for praying'.
ReplyDeleteI see we both think alike. A disintegrating nation is very frightening, and only God can help.
DeleteIf Trump's lips were moving you knew he was lying. He mishandled the pandemic, cozied up to dictators, insulted his allies, enabled white nationalists.....and so on. Yet more people than ever before voted for him. That says a great deal about the mindset of the United States. And now he refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. As for the Haredim in your country, these religious fanatics hold the balance of power from one coalition government to another, and the end result cannot be good, especially since they deny the very validity of the State itself.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that with the power balance in the hands of the haredim, "the end cannot be good".
DeleteAs for the USA, the lesson to be learnt is this: accept the result of the elections. If you dislike/hate the winner, wait patiently for the next elections. Four years is not an eternity. But what happened after the elections of 2016 - is the beginning of the end of a great nation. The breach between the two sides seems irreperable.
I tend to agree. They are no longer political opponents, they are arch enemies.
DeleteWhen the conspiracists say, GOD HAS THIS, I agree. I just can't understand how they think our current president will remain in power for four more years. So many delsuional people who believe he was sent by God. What will be will be.
ReplyDeleteI believe that ultimately things are in the hands of God. That's why I won't use slogans such as 'every vote counts', and I won't fight against the lawful winner of the elections' even if he's not my choice.
DeleteYes, much praying..indeed. It is a circle of things and it feels like the circle is getting bigger. Hopefully, chaos won't stir more troubles. Last night...suddenly, fireworks lit the sky here. Still not sure why. Somebody at our house said, "Maybe they think Trump won." I only laughed at him and shook my head.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, its a slippery slope for a lot in the political arena. And some are still being fired.
Yes, the political arena is a circle - and it's hard to get out undamaged of that circle.
DeletePraying helps both the individual and the more general. I can't think of anything else that could solve problems of this size.
That's why I keep away from politics, and I distrust politicians. Politicians, like money, are the source of evil.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, 70 million Americans voted for Trump in 2020. This is truly scary. How is it possible that so many people could be so blinkered, blind and deaf almost, as to the true colours of Trump?
ReplyDeleteHe's a liar, vainglorious, misogynist and cheat. Why could 70 million Americans even think about supporting such an excuse for a human being? Very frightening.
That's what they say about our PM too, and yet he wins again and again. So, the conclusion is to replace the nation, the people.
DeleteSounds weird? Maybe not. Nowadays, nations are very heterogeneous. Perhaps, that's the trouble. A more homogeneous nation is more close to the norm of everything.
I guess the small comfort is that we in the USA are not alone, unfair elections are happening everywhere in the world. Countries are divided against countrymen because of politics. Whether I voted for Biden or not, if he is declared the fair winner, I will support and respect him and respect the office of the presidency, unfortunately when Trump and Obama won, they were not afforded the same. I think the Democrats/Republicans political parties are archaic and they don't work anymore, they have just divided our great country in half. It's a sad time in America.
ReplyDeleteThat's correct. It's happening everywhere. Politics has become very divisive.
DeleteUSA has got two parties; we've got about twelve. In both cases, things are not working properly. Time for change in the political system.
I have to remain hopeful. Things are pretty bad. If only people could work together and agree to disagree. It's a shame some cannot accept a democratic election.
ReplyDeleteThat's the spirit - agree to disagree.
DeleteI always say about myself that I don't mind differences of opinion. However, I find myself in the minority. People do mind; if you're not with them you're against them. That's how they feel.
Apparently your country and the States have the same problem. Mixing politics with religion. In most of the European countries this is not allowed, I don't even know if our prime minister is a catholic, probably yes becausee Belgium is a catholic country. But in Holland or Germany and the other Northern countries, I have no idea, they are probably all protestants. We all have the same god under another name, I respect all relgions, anyway they are man made. But no politician should use him as a weapon and that's what the extremists do in the whole world. And all religions have their extremists !
ReplyDeleteSeparation of religion and State is considered the best mechanism for protecting the rights of all secular and religious people.
DeleteNothing is done, however, about this in our country and things are constantly getting worse.
Years ago I was on a plane flying somewhere, I think it was Dubai. The man next to me had moved from Morocco to Jaffa and was complaining that the city was overly religious. He was Jewish, but not practicing and there were too many religious rules he explained; he said he had enjoyed more freedom in Casablanca. I also know a French Jewish family who moved to Israel but two years later they moved back to France. They were very liberal, not religious as Paris people tend to be, and could only speak French – they said the atmosphere in Israel was too difficult for them, but they did not tell me why.
ReplyDeleteI am French and had been used to discuss politics from both sides without getting upset. I have a couple of very conservative friends in Georgia (I am liberal) and now can’t discuss with them, although luckily Georgia is changing. However, people in small towns there don’t want to change their minds, it’s like a wall. I just read a nasty comment on my blog from a GA blogger – I published it because I like all view points, but I still think we should be polite and willing to understand another point of view, even if we disagree. But in the US it is getting harder.
One doesn't have to change, to give up his beliefs, but to acknowldge the fact that there are people who think differently, and to accept that.
DeleteThe idea is learning the way 'to agree to disagree'.
I love that everyone has differing points of view which makes life interesting. I just hate when people resort to mean and cruel behavior toward others for any reason. I pray for kindness around the world all the time. Sending hugs your way. RO
ReplyDeleteI don't mind differences of opinion at all. But it seems I'm in the minority. Most people let you know that if you're not with them, you're against them. That's terrible.
DeleteI agree with you, ONLY GOD can make this right. I continue to pray that the Biden-Harris administration receives the strength (from God) to get the job done . . . sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteGod has got the final say in all things.For us, believers, there's no other alternative.
DeleteWhether I like the election result or not, I accept it as I see it as God's wish and I have no intention of going against it.
It is sad. So many popele here in the states won't comply with safety guidelines. It boils my blood. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteIt's a matter of discipline. Countries far East: Thailand, Taiwan,Korea , China,have covid under control, whereas in the West it keeps spreading- The westerners lack discipline.
DeleteIt's an upside down world we are living in at present....here, there and everywhere...
ReplyDeleteRight. It's not easy to adjust to it, but we have to make the effort if we wish to survive.
DeleteWe relieved now in here, but it seems we lack a young great man :)
ReplyDeleteEvi, dear, a great man doesn't go into politics. Politics is for people who are either naive or tend to corruption and deceit.
DeleteAlways interesting to read peoples many differing views.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I totally agree with that.
DeleteAll the best to you, too!