Yacov Menashe asked me to post this.
1. Why did you say you can't accuse a Jew of committing suicide if you accuse Irv Rubin of committing suicide?
2. Do you believe the below report increases Baruch Marzel's chances of being elected? I first posted it a while ago so by now it might not be relevant news anymore.
A Move to Increase Knesset to 180 MKs
05:45 Sep 26, '06 / 4 Tishrei 5767
by Yechiel Spira
Kadima MK Prof. Menachem Ben-Sasson, who chairs the Knesset Law Committee, supports increasing the Knesset from its current 120 MKs to 180.
Ben-Sasson explains that at present, about one-third of the MKs are serving as cabinet ministers or deputy ministers, leaving the work of members of Knesset in the hands of only 80 lawmakers. On an average, an MK serves on six different committees he explains, making their effectiveness on any one committee somewhat limited.
Adding 60 MKs he explains would result in MKs serving on an average of two committees, permitting him to then focus his energies on those committees as should be the case. Ben-Sasson believes expanding the number of MKs would be a positive step towards revamping the political system.
If his proposal is not accepted, Ben-Sasson plans to support the Norwegian Law which would compel MKs appointed to a cabinet position to resign as MKs during their tenure as a government minister. Their Knesset slot would go to the next in line on that party’s ballot.
Among the outspoken opponents of the plan is Prof. Shevach Weiss, a former Knesset Speaker. Weiss stated that at present, the Knesset is not overwhelmingly popular and a call to increase its size by one-third would be met with angry public accusations of wasting additional taxpayer funds. Weiss stated that if the Knesset enjoyed widespread public support, then such a move might be feasible but considering public realities, it would be a mistake.
Prof Arik Carmon, who heads the Israel Democracy Institute, came out in support of the move in his statements released on Monday. He explained that at present, the Knesset is unable to carry out one of its primary tasks, to oversee and monitor the performance of the cabinet. He added the individual burden of MKs would be lessened by his expansion plan, permitting each elected official to carry out his/her duties more efficiently, making the Knesset a more attractive option to higher caliber individuals who might as a result opt to consider running for an elected post.
Ben-Sasson stated that with the opening of the Knesset winter session, he plans to form a subcommittee which will probe the proposed change in the structure of the Knesset; a move he is certain will contribute to the running of the government and Knesset alike. He added that in internal Kadima Party discussions on the idea, the prime minister and others expressed their support for the plan.