Likud’s circus

A couple of real surprises in yesterday's Likud "primary". I use the word primary very loosely because let us be honest, there was nothing democratic about yesterday's vote.


The Likud Central Committee voting for the Likud list is a huge scam. Bribes are handed out left and right to garner support. I was dumbfounded while watching the "carnival atmosphere" of last night's festivities at the Tel Aviv fairgrounds. Would-be candidates obviously spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on their campaigns. It was revolting to watch. Are they so out of touch with reality? It was reported just last week that Israel is No. 2 in the western world in social inequality and that the health ministry is going to investigate the hunger phenomenon here. Meanwhile, our future representatives (who MANY of the nation's poor votes for) frolicked around with their expensive booths, goodies and tchokas promoting themselves. It was really sickening. I equally find the fact that only members of Likud's central committee were allowed to vote and not the Likud membership at large revolting. It was a slick maneuver by Bibi's supporters in order to guarantee their positions on the list and embarrass Sharon.


Now the surprises. Old timers and Likud institutions - Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert and Ruby Rivlin did horribly - listed as 33 and 37 respectively. Kahalani's red rover gamble didn't pay off either. The former Labor and Third Way MK got the unrealistic 43 slot. Former Likud prince, Tel Aviv mayor and Center party MK Roni Milo got the superduperunrealistic spot of 47.

The biggest surprise of the results was Gila Gamiel's showing. The 27-year-old chair of the union of Israeli students got the 11th spot. She just graduated law school and was working as a waitress to support herself.

It's a sad day when Tzachi Hanegbi receives the highest amount of votes. It's no surprise though. According to the The Movement for Quality Government he appointed over eighty positions in the Environmental Ministry to Likud central committee loyalists. Of course people are going to vote for him. Unemployment is at an all time high and I'm sure that members of Likud's Central Committee are looking for jobs too. Because of his showing in the primary Hanegbi is guaranteed a powerful cabinet postion and will undoubtebly hook up his boys again.

Heck, if Tzachi offered me a job I'd take it too. I could use the cash.