Commentary

A Treatise On Voting By A Jew Who Hates Politics

F

or three years in the mid-
1990s, I wrote about domestic
politics and politicians for the
Washington Jewish Week newspaper,
focusing on how discussions, proposals
and potential legislation could affect
American Jews. Tacked to my gray
cubicle wall was a list of the Jewish
senators and congressmen, among
them the late Arlen Specter.
I remember feeling great pride in
seeing this list before me of the Jews
who served our country — and rep-
resented our tribe. And I remember
entering that job as a 23-year-old naif
believing that as a responsible jour-
nalist, I could ferret out the truth from
the mudslinging and shine the light on
right, to guide our community toward
responsible voting.
Of course, the realities of truth and
right in the political world — and really
in the world at-large — can be hard
to find. In my three years of politi-
cal journalism, I quickly grew fed up
with the double talk. And then I real-
ized, after 10 articles on a particular
proposed bill that never made it to
the floor of the House or Senate, that
much of the conversation was wasted
breath.
Or was it?
As Americans who came from
places where we were persecuted and
silenced, we not only have the right,
but also the responsibility, to speak
out about issues big and small. As vot-
ers, we speak on the ballot we submit,
but we also should participate in town
hall discussions and communicate
directly with our legislators so that
they truly do represent us.

Greenberg's View

Voting Implications

As we near the Nov. 6 General
Election, I reflect on my limited career
in political journalism and realize that
our political animal in this country is
driven by the freedom to debate ideas,
propose new ways of doing
things and shoot down pos-
sibilities that seem to direct
us down a wrong path. Our
freedom to speak from the
heart and inspire others, or
stop others before they do
real damage — that's what
makes us Americans.
I've never cared much
about politics. I vote in
every presidential election;
but for the longest time, I
ignored the other elections.
I admit it was an irrespon-
sible waste of a freedom.
But I've met two Jews whose pas-
sion for politics — and belief that
they can make a difference — have
resurrected my early naivete. They've
inspired me to believe that anything
is possible and that every citizen can,
and should, make a difference. They've
inspired me to vote even in primaries
and small elections because it is one
of the important American rights we
have.
One is my longtime friend Bryce
Sandler, who has dedicated his life and
career to getting good Republicans
elected. I remember the conversation
when I realized Bryce believes with all
his heart that the work he does will
change the country — and by exten-
sion, the world. His passion was con-
tagious and admirable. I hadn't spoken

with someone in such a long time with
that level of dedication or belief. And I
wished that I shared it for the political
arena.
When I met my husband, Dan, a
dedicated Democrat who canvasses
neighborhoods encourag-
ing people to vote, and who
supports worthy candidates
in word and deed, I realized
that for as many corrupt,
reviled politicians we find
on both sides of the aisle,
our political landscape is
peopled by true believers.
Otherwise, why would any-
one volunteer for the inevi-
table public scrutiny that
comes with leading?
On opposite sides of the
political spectrum, the two
of them restored my faith in the possi-
bilities of humanity. They reminded me
of the beauty of this country, of how
our ancestors came here for freedoms
they'd never had in any land before
and how American Jews have blos-
somed in this landscape ever since.

historically could only be found in the
freest of countries, our United States.
Freedom is a gift not to be taken
for granted. Our communal history
is based on a foundation of freedom
from slavery. Our country is that
quintessential melting pot of people
seeking a better life and, for some, the
rights they had long been denied.
Let's not get cocky and think we
don't have to participate in the con-
versation. Things only get better — or
worse — on the heels of our decisions
as citizens to care, or not care, to be
self-focused or to look beyond the
walls of our own houses.
As we approach Election Day,
remember the importance of walking
the walk. A scant percentage of this
country exercises its right to vote. As
American Jews, let's not forget what
we came here for. II

Lynne Meredith Golodner is a writer, publicist

and owner of Your People LLC. She lives

in Southfield with her husband and four

children.

Blazing Our Way

Even more, American Jews are
leaders in so many industries — and
definitely in politics. We came here
with barely more than the clothes
on our backs and a pair of brass
Shabbat candlesticks stowed in a
suitcase. And we drew ourselves up
to become a respected leading com-
munity in many parts of our country.
Hearkening back to that list
tacked to my cubicle wall, the num-
ber of Jews in powerful positions far
outweighs our small percentage of
the U.S. population. As Jewish vot-
ers, then, we have a responsibility to
support our brethren in Congress —
and vote responsibly.
And not on one issue alone.
Jews have traditionally not been
one-issue voters; and although we
have a tradition of being Democrats,
not all Jews are today. However, we
would do well to understand that
our liberal legacy derived from a
belief that all people deserve access
to programs and promise, to have a
bright future.
Whichever side of the aisle you
find yourself on today, remember
that the possibility of our people
rising to leadership, notoriety and
success in this country was always
due to that notion of wide-open,
anything-goes possibility, which

standing
guard

... For Israel
And Our Jewish
Community

Last month, members of the U.S.
Senate introduced Resolution 574,
asking the International Criminal
Court to investigate Iran's leaders for
violating the International Genocide
Convention because of Iran's actions,
incitement and threats toward Israel.
Please ask Michigan Senators Carl Levin
and Debbie Stabenow to co-sponsor
the resolution. Contact them using
the Detroit JCRC's one-click advocacy,
www.detroitjcrc.org/WHERE_WE_STAND/
Advocacy/How_to_Contact_Government_
Officials.aspx.

Prepared by Allan Gale, Jewish
Community Relations Council of
Metropolitan Detroit

© Oct. 25, 2012, Jewish Renaissance Media

October 25 . 2012

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