Maof

By his very death Arik will serve once last time. Totally unexpected news about the passing of our beloved leader await us about a week before the elections. Then will come the world-class the funeral. And then - again, for the whole week, radio, TV and newspapers talking only about Sharon, Sharon and his great undertaking. About devoted "Sharonist" Ehud Olmert, who is the one continuing his work. And, of course, about their joint creation, a star-studded political party "Kadima". And again, Israelis, those big kids, will weep and with their eyes still wet will obediently walk to the polls. Who do you think they will vote for? How do I know the date? It's elementary, my dear Watson. Here, look:

1) Sharon died (in a common, human sense of the word) when his brain died - all the way back on the night of January 4th-5th. Then he was operated on numerous times but the doctors were unable to help him. The doctors, undoubtedly, realized the futility of their efforts, but still carried on under clear instructions from Omri and Olmert.

Notice that the "nobility" of Israeli medicine was involved in Sharon’s treatment. Of course, it is because there is a lot more trust in their medical expertise. But also, because they are an "establishment" of sorts, they have a lot to lose, and, therefore, won't leak any unwanted information. Nevertheless, one of them managed to have a public slip of the tongue. Once, one of the doctors was quoted as saying: “if it was just an ordinary person, not Sharon, he would have been left alone a long time ago”. These words were never repeated again – the “proper” media prefer to abstain from unnecessary foolishness.

2) For more than a week all of our media discussed almost nothing other than Sharon, but this stopped very quickly. Sharon’s condition did not change since, yet they are not talking about him anymore. Why? Because the political wheelers and dealers know very well that no topic can hold the public’s attention for more than 7-10 days. They milked the Sharon issue as long as they could, covered him with kisses, raised Kadima’s ratings, and then it was time for a focus shift. Very clever and professional!

3) Right now Sharon is, essentially, a living corpse. Various medical devices regulate his breathing, heart function, food delivery, and so on.  One can exist like this for a very long time. It’s interesting that lately he is hardly mentioned and no one comes to visit him. It’s not by accident that he is guarded by SHABAK agents – this way no one will ever find out what’s really going on behind the doors of his room. Just like we won’t find out about the real circumstances of Yitzchak Rabin’s death. At least, not in the near future.

4) Sharon's death is inconvenient for Olmert and Kadima. Therefore, they will not permit it. But it's very convenient for Olmert to occupy his post as "temporary substitute" for the duration of prime-minister's "illness". And while Sharon is in the hospital, brain dead, the kind-hearted Menachem Mazuz is still hoping he'll be able to resume his position.

Olmert and his ministers don't waste time and push Kadima forward. Having taken over the helm with no ethical reservations and with complete media support they have hundred, thousands times more recourses and ways of influence. Effectively, ALL the resources of the state are at their disposal to be used for advertising Kadima's wise course. And what kind of a Kadima it would be without beating the settlers – a laughing stock..

5) Having said that, Sharon DOES have to be buried sometime. He can’t remain Kadima’s hostage forever.  By his very death Arik will serve once last time. Totally unexpected news about the passing of our beloved leader await us about a week before the elections. Then will come the world-class funeral. And then - again, for the whole week, radio, TV and newspapers talking only about Sharon, Sharon and his great undertaking. About devoted "Sharonist" Ehud Olmert, who is the one continuing his work. And, of course, about their joint creation, a star-studded political party "Kadima". And again, Israelis, those big kids, will weep and with their eyes still wet will obediently walk to the polls. Who do you think they will vote for?

So, Watson, you’re still not convinced? You want to bet on my favorite old smoking pipe?

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