On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, it seems as though everyone is holding their breath, awaiting the result of a long, bitterly-fought, and very expensive campaign.
So much is at stake. On a wide array of economic, social and foreign policy issues, the candidates’ visions are so vastly different. So much appears to ride on who will be steering the country – indeed, the free world – through these crucial next four years. This election is arguably the most crucial in recent history.
Yet in one key regard, this election may not be so “decisive” after all.
The Book of Proverbs (21:1) states:
"Like streams of water, the heart of the king is in the hand of God. He directs it anywhere He wishes."
What does this verse mean exactly? Does it imply that world leaders are mere puppets of the Almighty? If so, why should we even bother voting at all?
Even more essentially: Is it not a foundation of Jewish belief that human beings possess free-will – the ability to choose between right and wrong? (see Maimonides – Teshuva ch. 3)
The answer is that free-will is not an absolute concept. Although God grants free-will to each individual, this privilege may be suspended when it comes to leaders whose decisions can determine the fate of an entire nation.
As compared to private citizens, leaders clearly enjoy superiority in terms of honor and power. And yet, since their choices impact so many lives, God will – for the purpose of guiding the course of history – sometimes revoke a leader’s free will. (see Abarbanel – Genesis 45; Rabbi Dovid Shlomo Eibshitz)
With this we can understand a key element of the biblical Exodus story. God desired to bring the Israelites out of Egypt amidst “great signs and wonders,” to conclusively demonstrate His unparalleled power. In order to achieve that, God needed Pharaoh to “play along,” to continually deny the Jews the option of leaving – despite the ongoing hardships that such denial imposed on Egyptian society. And so, God "hardened Pharaoh’s heart," removing his free-will and in effect forcing him to refuse Moses’ repeated requests to “Let my people go.”
Public Mandate
The story is told that when Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin visited New York in the 1970s, he insisted on meeting with the great Torah Sages of the generation. In the course of what proved to be a very fruitful conversation, Begin told the Sages that he suffered from a heart condition and asked them to pray for him. Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzky replied by quoting the verse in Proverbs: "You don't need our prayers. The heart of the king is in the hand of God."
So what does all this have to do with the presidential election?
What ultimately determines the course of history is neither political platforms or coalition agreements. Rather, "Like streams of water, He directs it anywhere He wishes." The Midrash explains: Just as water, when put in a vessel, can be tilted to any side that you wish, so too, when a person rises to greatness, his heart is given into the hand of God.
And yet, this does not mean that we should be nonchalant about the election and don’t need to cast a ballot. Rather, our own free-will demands that we exert an appropriate effort to influence the world. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni – Mishlei 21) reveals a great secret:
Although God will not allow a leader to make a unilateral free-will decision that determines the fate of so many people, God will grant a ruler the latitude to decide based on the mandate given by the people. In other words, if the generation is worthy, God inclines the king's heart to good; if not, He inclines him to do evil.
That is why the election is indeed so important. By choosing our leaders, in large part we determine our own fate. A leader’s “political moves” are never contrary to the will of the people – but rather an affirmation of our own deepest intent upon having “freely chosen” this leader in the first place.
Or in the words of H.L. Mencken: "Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want – and deserve to get it good and hard."
So as we approach an election that promises to be a nail-biter, we can maintain a sense of calm knowing that no matter who wins, the ultimate outcome is safe and secure in the hands of Heaven.
(26) David, November 9, 2012 5:19 PM
Pharaoh and Hitler
So Pharaoh would have let the Israelites go but G-d didn't want hiim to? He wanted to kill all the first born so the Israelites would see His power? Either man has absolute free-will or no free-will. Only this explains the existence of Hitler and Hashem. That G-d can influence leaders hearts (''direct'') is a given for the man of faith that all leaders are doing His will because he directs them does not measure up with reality.
(25) Harry Pearle, November 7, 2012 3:58 PM
Now, With Obama 2.0, Let Us Reason Together (Isaiah)
Isaiah 1.17: "Come Now, Let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.".............I supported Obama for re-election, but I think the most important thing is that we come together and work together to try to solve our many difficult problems. How to deal with the nuclear threat from Iran? How to fix the economy? How to fix education? How to deal with poverty, etc?............It is too easy to do nothing and to demonize politicians and to be blinded by personal prejudice (see my earlier comment #2)..........I for one, am pushing a link between the economy and education and I hope to continue with it. What can you do? See: EconomyWiseUP.com
Sharon, November 6, 2015 5:48 PM
Why did you vote for Obama what were the reasons?
I'm curious as to Why one would have voted for him. I never liked him, not because of his colour, it's a feeling I get and I've never been wrong about whether a person is good or bad, there are those in between and they're harder to judge.
(24) Samson, November 7, 2012 6:38 AM
My vote did nothing once again
This country is full of voting fools and my State is the worst of all 50 of them. Figures it is called "Washington " too.
(23) philipzhao, November 7, 2012 5:48 AM
Obama re-elected--the day the nation mourns!
Goodbye to America! Get ready to nuke Iran before it's too late !!!
(22) issy zilberman, November 6, 2012 10:54 PM
Where was God when 6 million Jews were killed.
what happened to Hitlers Hart !!! are you in sane or what in the name of God ? stop this nonsense!
andrew, November 7, 2012 4:10 PM
Dear Rabbi its true.
You must write something about it. The Issy's comentary its the greater pain for all of us. Dont forget.
(21) Michael, November 6, 2012 9:33 PM
Voted for Romney
I voted for Romney, I think there is no alternative, a decent man, active and loyal to his church, supportive of Israel. We really don't know who Obama is, even after 4 years. The glimpses of him we get when drops his facade are not good - His treatment of the prime minister, his insincerity in all matters, his seemingly support of radical Islam and overall failure as a leader made choosing a new president very easy.....
(20) Anonymous, November 6, 2012 9:28 PM
Let's Do The Right Thing, Not Necessarily What's Popular
Let's vote for Romney who's pro-Israel today and protest against a federal gay marriage law because it's the right thing to do and we care.
(19) Joseph, November 6, 2012 4:01 PM
Every Jew I Know is for Obama
Every Jew I know is for Obama. You cannot say their is a Jewish vote. There are Jews who vote.
rachel goldring, November 6, 2012 6:54 PM
all jews should not vote for Obama
I do not know one orthodox jew that is voting for Obama.I am living in an area that was devastated by hurricane Sandy and except for l5 mins of his time he is doing nothing about our situation here..If anyone care about the state of Israel he would not vote for Obama
(18) Anonymous, November 6, 2012 3:18 PM
Vote Romney
As an Jew and an American I cannot undertand why any other American Jew would vote otherwise. I cannot understand thr thinking that "-I always vote democrate so I will noW" fortunately many friends have decided to see the light and vote for Mitt the rest are stupid and I am disturbed about it. Propaganda about what will happen if he wins is warping their thinking. Pathetic. ? (2 .-(( 3o.,ey .
(17) L.S., November 6, 2012 2:58 PM
off to vote for Romney!!
As we speak, I am on my way out the door to cast a ballot for the only pro-Israel candidate and the only candidate who will create jobs, encourage economic growth, and restore America to her greatness: MITT ROMNEY!!!
Anonymous, November 6, 2012 4:31 PM
Smart decision
It's also very sane. Sane people can see the difference between good and bad. This is the most survival thing to vote for Mitt Romney.He is good for Israel and this country.
Jewgirl, November 7, 2012 7:08 AM
This says it all!
In other words, if the generation is worthy, God inclines the king's heart to good; if not, He inclines him to do evil. By Obamas actions we know what he stands for, G-d help us all....
(16) Anonymous, November 6, 2012 2:26 AM
VOTE FOR MITT ROMNEY
We american jews must vote for mitt romney MITT ROMNEY MITT ROMNEY MITT ROMNEY We do not know what obama has in mind flr the Jewish people but also for Israel.
(15) Kimberly, November 5, 2012 7:31 PM
Does this hold true of Hitler or only those who open their hearts to G-d?
Then too there must be the humility to ask for and allow G-d to direct your heart, path and policies. There is also the free will to allow only the influence of evil. History is packed with leaders who drunk on their own power destroyed entire civilizations. One only has to look at Butler to see how narcissism when mixed with amorality can create a leader capable of the most heinous acts of evil against other human beings. I suppose you could make the case that just when Hitler was on the brink of destroying the bulk of the Jewish nation that G-d directed the hearts of other leaders namely Eisenhower, Truman, King George VI, Churchill and even another blackheart of history Stalin to stop Hitler. There is a saying that evil happenes when good men do nothing - perhaps that is the real message, G-d will not to allow evil to take over the hearts and actions of humanity but waits for good people to take a stand against what they inherently know to be wrong. So we should all be happy warriors for what direction we want to see our government policies to take; that means being involved in the process, reading the policy platforms and what effect they will have on the issues we most care about. We should pray for our leaders to have a humble heart receptive to the stirrings of G-d's message, for that is what makes an ordinary person into an extraordinary leader.
Teresa, November 6, 2012 4:09 PM
I had the same question as Kimberly about Hitler
I agree that G-d waits for good people to do the right thing, to step up and make a difference, but G-d will not stand by and let us be destroyed.
(14) Uncle Ted, November 5, 2012 5:21 PM
Say no to Obama !
When has an American ever told Israel to go back to 1967 borders ! This Obama has said To vote for such a man is to stab Israel in the back
(13) Yehuda Z., November 5, 2012 9:14 AM
The messenger represents the message
Although I agree with much of what you wrote, I have a slightly different take on it. The Gemara states in a number of places that good things come via good people and bad things via bad people. Therefore, though it is true that the 'king's' heart is in Hashem's hand, the issue is what type of person the king is. If he is a good person and wants to benefit the people he rules, Hashem will bring good things through his rule. However, if the king is an evil or amoral person, Hashem will bring bad things (chas ve'shalom) during his rule. We can see the effect of this in the historical view of those presidents who are thought of as good presidents as opposed to bad ones. The actions Hashem brought about during their reign reflects back on the person for a very long time. So it is important for us to make our efforts to ensure that a 'good' person is elected for any office of power.
Boca Mom, November 6, 2012 5:55 PM
no evil president
Although I think there is a clear choice abotuthe better candidate as far as the Jewis people are concerned, I don'tthink either man is evil. I think that each is misguided in some ways, men are only human beings and they are products of their upbringing. We shouldn't be naive and ignore that. Even so, I don't think he is an evil man, who will bring evil to the wrold, just misguided. Thank G-d, we have been relatively fortunate in this countrythat no evil people have been in power. We often think we are picking the lesser of two evil (I have said this myself) but I think, by and large, we are fortunate that noneof our presidents have been really bad people. I think they have all been flawed but truly did want to serve the country well.
(12) Anonymous, November 5, 2012 3:08 AM
proof that G-d directs elections
I learned this lesson in the 2000 vote. G-d directs the world through the Jews. The day after the 2000 election when I heard that 20,000 Jews in Florida "accidentally" voted for Pat Buchanan, I knew that G-d had confused them and guided them in order to throw the election to Bush. Why was it that the Jews were the ones with the problem with the ballot, otherwise? I told my daughter the day after the election, that something was going to happen. I didn't know what it was, but something was going to happen and G-d wanted Bush in the presidency, not Gore, and so he threw the election. I knew then that Bush would be declared the winner. We have to do our part and vote and G-d will then guide the election to suit His plan.
(11) Ya'acov, November 5, 2012 1:20 AM
Vote for Romney?
I knew many American Jews read this webpage and I would just like to know how can so many throw their hats in with Obama? He has done more to destabilize the middle East then any other American. Do we just stand by and let him and his cronies destroy Israel's future? In two more days many of you will be voting for the very future of Israel; THINK! What real good has Obama done? He doesn't even have America's good in mind, let alone Israel's. I pray that The Almighty One of Israel will influence your vote and give you clarity of thought on this matter.
Anonymous, November 6, 2012 3:08 PM
Obama's done plenty of real good
The healthcare law, troops out of Iraq, Bin Laden killed, etc. He's has had top advisors who are Jews (Rahm Emanuel, Jack Lew is even Orthodox). And when Romney was MA governor, he tried to cut the slight expense of certified kosher meals for nursing home residents (overturned by the legislature.) You'd think a Mormon, whose own faith has some dietary guidelines, would be sensitive those of kashrut-observing Jews, but no, he just cared about saving a little money!
(10) ruth housman, November 4, 2012 8:39 PM
the Free Will Determinism Dilemma
I know that Divine Providence is real, and I know because my own, admittedly small but wonderful life is dominated by not a little but massive synchronicity, whch I have recorded for years, daily, following a Vow I made with G_d that I could prove on paper, by way of a life, that G_d exists, just by virtue of astounding story. I was impelled to do this, following a coincidence that was so astounding it threw me, totally and so I KNEW. This throws into relief a lot of questions regarding free will, or maybe not relief, because though we're not puppets, I know, at the deepest level of PARDES, that G_d runs not part of the show, but the entire story, meaning all Stories. And so it's possible for a Messiah as written since this is not choice, but ordained. I don't see how we can have it both ways, and what is posited above seems to indicate this. On this plane we must act and act according to conscience, which is itself a ladder involving merger, towards the knowledge of God's will. Within a deterministic universe, entirely governed by God, we have free will, or on this plane, the illusion of free will. The answer to this conundrum lies within just this: I freely chose this part, my part in this cosmic story so that IS my free will, and it could be said to be everyone's free will in the cosmic sense. Yes, there's an answer to a major MAJOR paradox. My Diary, is a record that I could not, paradoxically have written without the HAND of GOD being ever present and visible. I believe the only way to acknowledge this statement is to read the Diary, and for that I plead with God. If not now, then, when? Because in holding a deep truth, being ruth, I see in the deconstruction of words, and letters, across Babel, the keys to a vast opening of story, that involves all of us. And this story is going to flower, and open to a world of understanding like none other. But not me, God, opens the doorway. Every doorway, of consciousness, and then, the climb toward a conscience Divine,
(9) Anonymous, November 4, 2012 6:12 PM
Did Gd incline Hitler's heart to evil?
For me at least, this article raises more deeply troubling questions than it answers. First, why is an elected government leader to be considered a king? How can a king's hereditary (and, in the case of the Davidic dynasty, divine) mandate be compared with that of a democratically elected head of government? Finally, while I hardly view the current U.S. election as similar in any way to that faced by Germany in 1932, this statement by the writer does give me pause: "Although God will not allow a leader to make a unilateral free-will decision that determines the fate of so many people, God will grant a ruler the latitude to decide based on the mandate given by the people. In other words, if the generation is worthy, God inclines the king's heart to good; if not, He inclines him to do evil." Does it thus follow, since Hitler won a mandate from the German people, that Gd inclined his heart to evil? Did the vote in Germany make the entire generation of Russia, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and all the other devastated countries also unworthy?
Dvirah, November 5, 2012 5:32 PM
Yes!
The short answer to your question is: YES. Hitler made very clear what his policies were and he was only able to carry them out with the consent of the majority of the people on Earth, let alone in Germany (in addition to those that actively helped, there were those who kept silent). However, we Jews also were at fault since we did not take the threat seriously and do any of the things that could have saved us - cf the Purim Megillah for some pointers (including, as well as fasting and praying, improving our relations with others, making amends for wrongs done, etc.)
Rachel, November 6, 2012 2:59 PM
Hitler did NOT have "consent" of majority of people on Earth
Hitler was elected in Germany. He took over other countries (some capitulated - Austria, Czechoslovakia), the rest by force. From the beginning of the war, he was resisted by France & Britain; US joined the Allies in 1941. My father and his older brother served in the US Army in WWII. So I resent your suggestion that the majority of people on earth "consented" to Hitler and his policies. Had this been true, Germany might well still be holding large swaths of Europe and continuing its genocidal and discriminatory policies.
Elisabeth, November 8, 2012 8:17 AM
majority of nations on Earth during Hitler's time were NOT sympathetic of Jews
To the world's shame, as I saw so clearly depicted at the Yad Vashem (sp?) Memorial in Jerusalem, ALL the countries of the world were resisting Jewish immigrants during the years prior to the Holocaust. The Jewish people had been forced out of the Russian/Ukraine areas into western parts of Europe, and were viewed with suspicion and contempt worldwide. (I'm not supporting the position, just summarizing the facts). A Canadian gov't representative said at the time "One Jew is too many" when asked how many Jewish people Canada could absorb or allow to immigrate. The anti-semitism of the Holocaust was in fact a world-wide phenomenon, even if the Allies were shocked at the concentration camps once they were liberated. However, in referencing the evils of the Holocaust and Hitler to the verse that the heart of the king is in God's hand; it is not impossible - this dreadful experience led to the formation (and eventual UN acceptance) of the modern state of Israel, and scholars have accepted that it may not have happened without the tragedy of the Holocaust. Biblically, there were many times of persecution that God (G-d) used to cause the children of Israel to return to the Lord and to the Land of Promise when they had wandered away. In direct response to the idea that the Allies were the only force resisting Hitler, consider that both the evil and the good "king's" hearts had been in God's hands, to accomplish the world wide antisemitism and persecution to a certain point, and then the allied resistance and ending of the war, and change in western attitudes (for awhile at least, seems to be swinging back, unfortunately) and the subsequent decision of "kings" that formation of the modern state of Israel. If you consider the full picture it might make more sense? Though it will still hurt and sting...
(8) Esther, November 4, 2012 6:08 PM
Obama
Obama is great danger to Jewish and American freedoms. It is so frustrating to so many of us out here in the real world that so many Americans, Jews do not research one iota about what Omama's plans are for the future. And all you out there may decide the path of my Great Country and my life with your idealism. Obama does not like Jews or Israel if that helps any. But don't have to listen to me do the RESEARCH! Read Israeli News anything you can find. News media is not allowing you to hear the TRUTH so find it on your own. Dem's are gone! Progressive as they call themseves is a code word for Socialist. Look it up! God can not help us now only we can with education ourselves. Vote for whom you wish but know who you are voting for not what you are told from media, etc.Use your own mind not what you are told.
Anonymous, November 5, 2012 7:26 PM
I do not know who will win. We may even have a tie. I would recommend that you do your homework, Esther. Esther, the economic policy of the GOP has nothing to do with my Jewish values. Paul's Ayn Rand's atheist philosophy has nothing to do with my Jewish outlook. Esther, I believe in One G-d and not three separate flesh and blood Olympus types that your Mormon friend believes in. Esther, did you find out the truth about your GOP candidate and those people killed in France while he was driving? He said it was a drunk priest. That is a lie. I can keep going Esther but we are about the Torah and that means values. That is what we live. I am sorry Esther but we don't live this Progressive, Socialist or whatever else you call, mumbo jumbo that only exists in la la land. I hope you can live with your vote and not the hype.
(7) Lazer, November 4, 2012 6:05 PM
Look Around
Who are those in the international realm who support Obama? All enemies of the US and Israel. That's who. Further more, ask anyone who remembers and fled the Soviet Union. They are all fearful of this man and his regime for they see a repetition of the history they thought was over. A Russian friend of mine watched the '08 inauguration with his young son and told him what Obama was about to say BEFORE HE SAID IT. AND HE WAS RIGHT. His son asked how he knew that. "Because I've heard it before.", he answered.
(6) Anonymous, November 4, 2012 5:11 PM
Why then God did not influence the heart and mind of Hitler?
Why then God did not influence the heart and mind of Hitler?
(5) LYDIA PEASE, November 4, 2012 5:05 PM
lydia@lydiapease.com
I thank you for taking the high road and allowing us to vote our hearts and not your dictates! I appreciate anyone who can add to the discourse without fueling the very strong feelings that are already over the top.
(4) Anonymous, November 4, 2012 4:07 PM
Please ready Psalm 80
When King David and Israel were faced with a very difficult challenge; he cried out to G-d to save His people...we, too, should prayer and ask for His intervention...there are two distinct politicians...one who supports Israel and one who does not....is that NOT important? With all due respect, let us look at our current economy, our nation ....do we REALLY want to contineu in this path of self-destruction???
(3) Brian Bergman, November 4, 2012 2:45 PM
LEADERS WHO COMMIT GENOCIDE
What about the leaders who commit genocide within their own country and seek to expand their evil to neighboring countries?
andrew, November 4, 2012 3:47 PM
we need an answer!
Dear Rabbi please write something about this! Is a great true. A so painful true!
janicemcalarnen, November 4, 2012 6:00 PM
The people lost faith and elected an evil leader.
The people wanted it: They believed in Hitler and his promises.God Bless the Greatest Generation who overcame evil.
(2) Harry Pearle, November 4, 2012 1:55 PM
Hashem Voted with a Perfect Storm for Obama (Against Prejudice)
The thought came to me that Frankenstorm seemed to come, with perfect timing to help Obama get re-elected. It was as though Hashem was casting an early vote in his favor......The storm focused attention on Obama, the compassionate, take charge leader. The devastation of Sandy reminded us of the damage of the Recesion of 2008 and how Obama helped us. It reminded us of how we need a strong Federal government, in times of distress...............But my intuition tells me that Hashem wants Obama to continue because he is BLACK. I think it has to do with PREJUDICE. We are all prejudiced. We are all blinded by our BIASES............As Jews we are all victims of prejudice and bias. Israel remains at great risk because of this.............We are also prejudiced against ourselves. We put ourselves down and count ourselves out all the time..........So, I see the BLACKNESS of Obama has a constant reminder of prejudice........If he is indeed re-elected, will the American people work with him to solve our problems? Will we engage in constructive ongoing DEBATES on our future and the future of Israel, or will we continue to be blinded by prejudice and hatred? I created a blog with my own ideas for fixing the economy: EconomyWiseUP.com
Steve, November 4, 2012 3:43 PM
obama helping Israel?
I can't help but wonder where you have been hiding. Obama does not like Israel. Ultimately, the US will back Israel, bit I do not believe it will be by Obama's design. I have not seen a love for Israel in him, at all! Also, the US"prejudice"
Harry Pearle, November 4, 2012 4:54 PM
Ongoing Debate with Obama on Israel Needed
Steve, with all due respect, I think you are showing your own BIAS. In fact, at the point it is hard to know how Obama or Romney will support Israel, after the election. BUT I think it is up to we the Jewish people to continue pushing the next president.
Anonymous, November 5, 2012 1:31 PM
Obama would continue to throw Israel under the bus But he's going to lose so any more damage will be limited to January 2013 instead of January 2016, and the vast destruction of the US economy will come to an end
Robin, November 4, 2012 4:32 PM
What planet are you from?
Personally, Obama could be a blue Smurf. Most people don't care about his "blackness, " except for you of course. Truly informed Jews will not vote for the most Anti-Semitic, Anti-Israel president in history. Those that do vote for him have their heads in the ground or just don't care about Israel. Wake up. See the movie 2016, I'm sure you'll learn something from it if you take off your blinders.
rhoneyman, November 6, 2012 3:23 PM
anit-semitic?
you're joking, of course. his first chief of staff was a practicing jew. his current chief of staff (lew - i think he's cos) is an orthodox jew. anti-semitic? you may disagree with his policies or with his handling of the mess his predecessor created in the middle east, but anti-semitic. gimme a break.
Anonymous, November 6, 2012 6:09 PM
jewish advisors don't mean anything
Sorry, but I don't give any weight to your argument. Pharoah's cheif advisor was Joseph, and then all of Egypt turned on the Jews and enslaved them. History repeats itself. I am not saying this is the reason, but it's completely plausiblethat the reason he has a cheif advisor as a Jew is to help him gain Jewish votes even though he is not asupporter of Israel. Rmney will support Israel not to appease Jews, but because its actually in line with his own Mormon faith to keep Israel around. Whatever the reason, it's a strong reason and we should let it work for us.
Esther, November 4, 2012 6:46 PM
Race
Voting a persons race, religon only is so dangerous with out a second thought! Just because we are victims of much Prejidice does NOT MEAN he does not hate Jew's.You don't know much about him do you? I live in the real world. Because I am a Jew I have been stoned, hit, spit at, called all kind of names from people of all backgrounds. I've been asked if Jews are buried standing up and more stupidy. With deep respect, have you? It has made me stronger,more educated, aware. I don't nedd a crowd to think for me. Research him! He has allowed Israel to be surrounded by Muslim Brotherhood! Extreamists, terrorists. Israel is being bombed with weapons by Hamus from Iran!!!! Read, read, read. Jews turned the other cheek in WW!! Hitler was cunning and so is Obama! Not saying he will do the same but he hates us!! U.S may back Israel at some point, question, how much, how much more land will Israel have to give up. NO OTHER "COUNTRY" HAS EVER HAD TO GIVE UP LAND WINNIG A WAR! AND FOR PEACE!!! Wake up!! Idealism, living in a bubble is NOT an alternative! Strength Of the U.S. IS! Obama's Momtra, other side wants war and take over countries lives! LIE! Strength is PEACE! U.S.A. is respected no more due to you and the rest's vote in 2008! If he gets in again Pray for your grandparents "HEALTH CARE," people you love. Look it up. It's on line! Don't be Polisi,Sign ObamaCare bill it before you read it. Read it before you sign it. I believe Lawyers would advice it. But people fell for "HER" statement hook line and sinker. Do you know what he did to the P.M. of Isreal when he visited the W.H. 2012? There's some homework for you!
katie, November 4, 2012 8:30 PM
hmmm...
Speak for yourself when you say: we are all blinded by our BIASES. Politicians work for the public. why do we (Americans) need to work with the President to solve our problems? We take care of ours, and he is the leader of our country. Do you want to hear something? one of the candidates (USA) donated his inheritance to charity. well? That speaks loads about a person's character. You should research a bit more on the candidates. You have a right to believe whatever you do believe. I, personally have been fasting partially (and praying) to Hashem for the candidate with love for the USA, Israel and the world to win the election. We need it so badly. Without speaking gossip. In reference to the candidates. I read this and it makes sense (to me). If one is re-elected, he will give YOUR salary to charity. If the other one is elected, he will give HIS salary to charity. Shalom.
Anonymous, November 7, 2012 3:38 PM
Harry, you have got to be kidding about people being prejudiced because he is black, he is not black, he is a mulatto. Half black, half white, and most of the people I know wanted to vote for Herman Cain when he was campaigning. Better check your intuition.and oh, he did have a Democratic majority when he went into office............
(1) G. Berry, November 4, 2012 11:59 AM
So True
So many times in my lifetime, both in the US and in Israel, it has been clear to me that truly, politicians are puppets and G-d is pulling the strings. How else do we explain politicians who seemed so promising and then, once in office, reversed course so dramatically,unexpectedly, and even tragically? So yes, I will vote for a specific candidate during the presidential elections, but my prayer is not that so-and-so should win, but that ultimately whoever wins, may we merit that the winner be good for the Jewish people, and also that he best serve America and the world at large.
Debby Ehrman, November 4, 2012 4:04 PM
Thank You! Your comment stated with emuna & wisdom! "May we merit that the winner be good for the Jewish people & that he best serve America & world at large." Beautifully said!
Anonymous, November 7, 2012 9:56 PM
Thank You
I'm not Jewish, and came to this site for some post election solace, and to try and understand why a president whom I don't trust is good for the US OR Israel was elected for four more years. You reminded me that G_d is in control, and will use whomever He will to carry out His plan for good towards those who love Him.