Democratic and rightist

Dr. Haim Shine

In 1977, the most important political revolution took place in our country. After years of a Mapai government monopoly, the Right won elections and formed a government in Israel. Since then, despite recurring election victories, the Right has yet to govern the country. Crucial issues that influence our lives in this country -- issues relating to our security, economy, justice, culture, education and communication -- are still decided by minority elitist groups with leftist, secular, and liberal ideologies. Many rightists have tended to believe that if the ministers in our government belong to right-wing parties, they will run the country, and those who are subordinate to them will do as they are told. That hasn't happened. Many generations later, the historical political upset has begun to acquire a more practical meaning, not just a symbolic one. The Right has freed itself from being the patron of the settlements, and has discovered the freedom to profess its ideology in different ways. Ministers and MKs, especially from the Likud and Yisrael Beitenu, have succeeded in dispelling the inferiority complex that was assimilated by the Right ever since David Ben-Gurion coined the phrase "Without Herut and Maki," indicating that he would include any party in his coalition, except those two (the former right-wing, the latter communist).

After many years of pain and tribulation, the citizens of Israel finally realized that Mapai's socialist slogans were merely tools used to spread inequality in Israeli society, and the white flags hoisted by delusional leftist subversives turned red following bloody terrorist attacks. With public backing, winds of change swept through the country, with the aim of correcting many social wrongs. It was a golden opportunity to change lifestyles, implement reforms reflecting the ideas of Ze'ev Jabotinsky, and base our concept of Jewish defense on the model presented by Menachem Begin -- two world views that are deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage.

That is why leftists are enraged by, and strongly oppose, proposals for laws that negate their outlooks. But that is how democracy works. People want the freedom to live according to their own credos, without being discriminated against.

Donations from foreign countries to Israeli organizations that work against Israeli soldiers constitute an explicit and unacceptable intervention in our lives. This issue needs to be handled by our law enforcement agencies, not through administrative measures. At the same time, however, victorious rightists must act intelligently and responsibly. Now, as opposed to years ago, the rule of the Right is ensured for years to come. Nobility is an important quality for any ruler who wishes to lead an entire nation.

The Supreme Court is currently in the midst of multi-faceted changes. Judicial activism is gradually disappearing and newly appointed judges do not identify with particular social or political ideologies -- certainly not with activism. There is no need for irresponsible political intervention in the selection of judges.

It is important to remember that public life is like a wheel that turns -- sometimes it's up and sometimes it's down. Both the Right and the Left must understand that they need to preserve the rules of the game for the sake of future generations.