Friday, February 26, 2016

They're not Americans

Marco Rubio at last night's debate (and, by the way, "limited government, free enterprise, and strong national defense" is his new OC phrase) --

I will be on Israel’s side every single day because they are the only pro-American, free enterprise democracy in the entire Middle East.

Actual Israeli newspaper (Jerusalem Post) story today --

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon faced further pushback on major agricultural reform, even as he proceeded to lower import tariffs on meat. Earlier this week, Kahlon announced a reform that would do away with agricultural boards and import tariffs in favor of direct subsidies to farmers, in line with OECD recommendations. Farmers requested time to offer an alternative plan. On Tuesday night, Kahlon proposed a first step for the duration of the Passover season, which would reduce fish duties by 50 percent, raise the annual tax-free quotas on olive oil from 2,800 tons and on frozen vegetables from 10,000 tons, and increase other vegetable imports ahead of Passover. The move is open for public comment.

There's a fantasy "free enterprise" version of Israel's economic policies which is based on some successful high visible sectors like technology and defence, but it bears little relationship to the reality of economic and social policy in Israel.

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