Lessons from Abraham on Voting in Upcoming Elections
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Ahead of upcoming elections, the article compares voting to Abraham's painful covenant, suggesting that choosing a candidate, even imperfectly, is a necessary act in a flawed democracy. It argues that not voting is a vote for the 'wrong side,' and the 'pain' of casting a ballot is a duty to avoid greater consequences from indifference. The piece uses Abraham's experience and a medical analogy to emphasize the importance of participation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Voting in upcoming elections is compared to Abraham's painful covenant, emphasizing necessary compromise.
- Democracy is described as 'the lesser of evils' in a world perceived as deceptive.
- Politicians who previously called the system dictatorial are now participating in elections.
- Not voting is framed as a vote for the 'wrong side' due to the absence of a political vacuum.
- The 'pain' of voting is presented as a duty to prevent greater consequences of indifference.
As Israelis prepare to head to the polls, the article draws a parallel between the act of voting and the biblical patriarch Abraham's experience with circumcision. It suggests that just as Abraham chose to endure the pain of the covenant as a means to achieve his life's aspiration of a genetic connection to God, voters must accept that casting a ballot, even for a less-than-ideal outcome, involves a form of 'pain' or compromise.
The author posits that democracy, while imperfect and described as 'the lesser of evils' in a world of 'deception,' is a vital process. This is highlighted by the participation of politicians who previously decried the system as dictatorial, now engaging in the democratic process they once criticized. The article notes that every vote cast, while potentially supporting elements that do not align with one's worldview, is a necessary action.
Choosing not to vote is framed as a vote for the 'wrong side' due to the absence of a vacuum in governance. Therefore, the article concludes, enduring the 'pain' of voting is a duty, a small price compared to the potential consequences of indifference. This is likened to a patient experiencing pain throughout their body, only to find the issue is a broken finger, implying that inaction or indifference can lead to overlooking a fundamental problem.