#619 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Tuesday March 28)
Good morning,
THE MESS IN ISRAEL
Many of us have been watching the unfolding protests, resignations, firings, and public statements around Bibi Netanyahu’s attempt to radically change the manner in which the Supreme Court is chosen, its role in judicial review of Knesset (Parliamentary) acts, and the ability of the Knesset to override the court and change Israel’s Basic Laws (essentially, its constitution).
That all of this is being undertaken by a Prime Minister under indictment, with goals that go far beyond simply rectifying certain perceived imperfections in the system. With a parliamentary system, where the Executive and the Legislature essentially are the same, modifying the court to be overruled by the Legislature would complete the governing coalition’s “trifecta” over the last independent branch of government. All of this is quite scary and portends a decent into authoritarian rule.
Many prominent Israeli statesmen, public figures, academics, and thought leaders have come out against the proposed “reforms.” None really hit me as hard as the letter from the New York Consul General, in which he resigned, saying he could no longer work for the current Israeli government.
Based upon the actions of this gentleman and others in the government, coupled with the protests, Netanyahu has, at least for now, pressed the “pause” button. With a master politician like this, I think the pause is just an opportunity to reduce the heat, regroup and go back.
But the important message here is that people in Bibi’s government sought to distance themselves from the government, which is a statement that goes a long way. There is a noble history of cabinet members in the United States who have resigned their posts in protest to (or unwillingness to support) the then-president. In the case of Mr. Trump’s administration, we by now have heard from a multitude of members of his administration—some who have written memoirs and others who have testified before the January 6th Committee—but who were silent when their voices should have been heard.
The actions of the Israeli politicians who stood in defiance and resigned show a marked difference from those who served Mr. Trump, holding onto their positions and power, rather than taking a moral stand at the time—and not after their days in the White House were over.Good morning,
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM FOR 2024
I’m going to touch upon the Democrats’ and Republicans’ talking points for the 2024 election cycle in the next few days. Here is where the Republicans will focus (in no order of importance):
Woke-ism and the preoccupation with transgender bathrooms and gender neutral pronouns. As I’ve said before, these are not unimportant issues; but they are losers in a general election—the emphasis should be elsewhere if the Democrats want to win. Transgender rights, as important as they may be, are not “the civil rights struggle of our time.”
The “witch hunt” against Donald Trump. Even in the face of what could be multiple indictments, the Trumpists will claim, while the spineless rank-and-file will remain silent, that this is all a witch hunt. Forget pressuring for more votes in Georgia, inciting a riot, paying off claims of sexual abuse, pressuring the President of Ukraine for one’s political benefit, and business fraud in New York. It’s all about the victimization of the “great MAGA man.”
President Kamala Harris. The average life expectancy of an 80 year-old white male is nine years. The odds of someone of that vintage dying in any single year over a four year period is around 5%. So, give or take, there’s around a 20% chance Mr. Biden will die in office. This doesn’t take into account his current health or the stresses and strains associated with the job. I know a fair number of 80 year-old men and Mr. Biden’s health does not, to the casual observer, seem to be in the top quartile of that group. The Republicans will push the narrative, not without legitimate concern, that the election is as much about the potential next president as the current president.
One thing is fairly certain. This election will not offer meaningful policy alternatives or new ideas. Elections no longer are about issues or competency—they are about vilifying the other tribe.
Have a great day,
Glenn
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