Why Israeli Politicians Lie
Reader comment on item: Israel's Wayward Prime Ministers

Submitted by Yael Amishav Medved (Israel), Jun 29, 2004 at 16:12

Dear Daniel Pipes,
Thank you for having the courage to expose the way Israeli Politicians intentionally lie to the Jewish Majority in order to win their votes. This is true in many democracies, but nowhere so blatantly true as in Israel, as you pointed out. This is the reason many people have such a low opinion of politicians, and often do not even bother to vote, knowing in advance that the politicians will betray them with impunity once they get elected.

Being interested not only in exposing the problems but also in proposing solutions, mainly through legislation, wouldn't it be time for democracies to introduce a law whereby politicians facing an election would have to answer a questionnaire on all the major issues that are likely to come up in the term of office, were they to be elected. This questionnaire would be drawn up by an elections committee and would make it clear for the general public how the canditate will vote when this issue comes up. This will require some thinking out, but can be done.
For example: Taxation "Will you vote for raising taxes on incomes of $60,000 and up?" Yes No.

The politician will then be committed to vote according to his election promises, for the term of his elected office. If he changes his mind, then the next election he can answer differently. Otherwise, elections in democratic regimes are beginning to look like contests between the most adept liers and the electorate is turning off. It is about time there were some creative ideas to salvage democracy from the politicians.
I would appreciate your comments.
Yael Amishav Medved

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