Dear Chaim,
I hope you're having a great Sukkot holiday. I have 3 questions for you this week:
1. In one of your previous programs, you've stated that you're not a big fan of Israeli democracy, and that, after the coming of the Messiah, Israel should become a divinely-inspired monarchy, as it was in the days of King David and Solomon. Now, I'd like to know: what are your thoughts on democracy in general, outside of the religious Jewish context? Do you believe that democracy, as it exists in modern Western countries, is a good and desirable form of government? Or do you think it should replaced by some other form of government, such as monarchy, oligarchy, or some kind of "benevolent dictatorship"? Also, do you agree with Winston Churchill's famous statement that "democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others which have been tried"?
2. In your opinion, which of these is worse: being a Muslim or being an atheist? Also, more generally: is it better to have the wrong religion, or to have no religion at all?
3. If you were prime minister of Israel, what would be your policy concerning freedom of speech and freedom of the press? Right now, there are several Israeli newspapers which promote extreme left-wing views and spread vicious propaganda against right-wing Jews. There are also quite a few magazines which publish pornography and promote homosexuality and other sexual perversions. If you came to power in Israel, would you allow these magazines and newspapers to continue operating? Or would you pass laws which would restrict their publication (and possibly even ban them completely)?
Thank you for your answers, and I hope all goes well with you in the coming week.