GOP leaves moderate cold

Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's political adviser, has observed that this election will set the course of American politics for the next 20 to 40 years.

Likewise, this election is a watershed for Israel and Jews. It also is a turning point for me.

Between Bush and the Democratic candidate, Sen. John Kerry, there is a fundamental dichotomy based on different philosophies of governance and conduct. The GOP, where I was a significant financial donor and loyalist, now is practicing governance based on the evangelical religious conviction of Bush combined with dogmatism, disregard for dialogue and reinterpretation of the truth.

The Democrats have become the party of moderates, centrists and inclusiveness. They understand strength, economic opportunity, civil rights for a diverse society, the importance of the middle class, fiscal responsibility and economic hope.

I did not leave the Republican Party, having been registered Republican since university, but the party left - or better yet, took a hard right from - me.

The Republican Party's swing to the far right has disenfranchised the "Rockefeller Republicans." There is no such thing as a moderate Republican in the current leadership.

The swing creates an environment in which tolerance for diversity is being threatened. The platform of the Republican Party of Texas "affirms that the United States of America is a Christian nation, and the public acknowledgment of God is undeniable in our history." It continues, "Our Party pledges to exert its influence to restore the original intent of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and dispel the myth of the separation of Church and State."

Is it any surprise that there has been a religious attack on science under Bush?

It's not only the Republicans' new intolerance that threatens America. Bush's handling of important issues such as Supreme Court appointments, civil liberties, Iraq-Iran and health care are disasters in waiting.

The class divide is potentially the most destructive: There never has been a stable government of the people that has survived without a prosperous and inclusive middle class. The erosion of the middle class, combined with an aging population supported by fewer workers, will be a threat to the stability of our nation within 20 years if not addressed immediately.

Kerry has a plan for this. Bush does not, other than trickle-down economics and wanton deficit and war spending to stimulate the economy. I'm most concerned with America's future in coping with our $7.5 trillion national debt.

In cases where we have to use clout to enforce trade agreements, take military action or other actions required of a superpower, if our bankers don't agree, they won't finance our deficit and the liquidity will be drained from our economy, diminishing our ability to exert influence.

That could mean that the United States will no longer be a superpower, and may be less able to defend staunch allies like Israel and NATO.

The good news is that Israel will have a close friend in the White House regardless of the vote: Both candidates are strong advocates for and defenders of Israel. The difference, though, is in philosophy and means.

The United States must rejoin the international community and reduce hatred of America throughout the world. If the United States cannot wield strong international influence and does not regain its position of moral authority, it may be unable to create stability in the Middle East.

Kerry has had a 100 percent pro-Israel voting record during his 20-year tenure in the Senate. Further, Kerry will be more effective on the war on terrorism because he is intent on holding countries such as Saudi Arabia accountable for funding and encouraging terrorists, promoting anti-Semitism, educating their children in faith-based hatred and harboring militants.

Kerry has said that, if elected, he will never force Israel to make concessions that compromise its security. Bush, though, has made no demonstrable progress on issues important to the long-term security of Israel, such as creating stability in post-Saddam Iraq or stopping Iran's nuclear development, and he has a "sweetheart" relationship with the Saudi royal family.

Kerry is the start to repairing and improving the safety and economies of the United States, Israel and our other allies. This is a vote about the philosophy and means that govern our future: far-right fundamentalism versus common sense, inclusion and thoughtfulness.

The choice is clear: This former moderate Jewish Republican is now a Democrat and staunch supporter of John Kerry.

Eric Greenberg is president and CEO of Innovation Investments, LLC, a diversified investment holding company. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency provided this commentary.

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