Under the Thatching of Totalitarianism (Ha'aretz)

[Saudade]

Under the thatching of totalitarianism

By Anat Maor



A review of the manner in which Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon and his government formulate
political-security, social-economic and
civil-democratic policies reveals that they have
adopted a modus operandi that harms the democratic
fabric of our existence, and which is
characteristic of totalitarian regimes.




The steps that Sharon has taken
to delegitimize the opposition
and critics of his policies -
criticism that in a democratic
regime is considered not only
self-evident but also welcome;
the no-holds-barred struggle by
Sharon against talks held by
members of the opposition with
Palestinians; the smearing of

opposition leaders and the questioning of their
loyalty during an alleged war - all of these
are as an arrow pointed at the heart of the
democratic spirit, and use a clear-cut
totalitarian terminology.

One may object to the Geneva Accord, but the
enlistment of the security situation, which is
genuinely serious (and for which the primary
responsibility lies on the shoulders of Arafat
and the terrorists, although responsibility for
the failure to prevent them from doing so lies
at the feet of Sharon and his government), in
order to delegitimize the right of members of
the opposition (elected for this very purpose)
to meet with representatives of the Palestinian
side and to relay the news of compromise and
conciliation - this constitutes the crossing of
a red line of democracy.

.....

In conclusion, this year, on the Feast of
Sukkot, we cannot sit easy in our temporary
booths. Aside from anxiety of terrorist
attacks, we are facing a serious threat to our
democracy and to our welfare state. In place of
a sukkat shalom - a sukkah of peace - spread
above our heads is the thatching of
totalitarianism and the reckless threat of
social Darwinism. The actions of Sharon and
Netanyahu are no longer merely signs of the
erosion of our democracy. We are already seeing
the beginnings of totalitarianism.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/349900.html

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Glad Haaretz said it

I fear that Sharon would accuse any non-Israeli of being anti-Semetic. We see a reflection of Bush in Sharon's actions-both are acting like totalitarian leaders, imho.

We need to listen to and support the Israelis and Palestinians who are working for peace!

[Saudade]

2. Surely

"I fear that Sharon would accuse any non-Israeli of being anti-Semetic."

Surely you know the standard method of getting around this little fact:

The author is a "self-hating jew."

No problem.

[mike_c]

3. AND those working for justice....

There will never be peace without justice-- exhaustion perhaps, but not peace.

[Fight_n_back]

4. Ironically

the fact that it is in Haaretz shows it to be hyperbole.

Sharon is more like Nixon than Bush. Sharon actually shows up for work.

[bluesoul]

5. Sharon

Oh yes, Sharon is the "good" guy, no doubt about that. Man of peace, so to speak... :puke: