Guilty

Finally, something juicy, something scandalous, something that is not another chapter in our collapsing, miserable economy.

The commander of the Israeli Navy, Admiral Eli Marom was spotted in a striptease club.  I don’t know the particulars.  We may never know the particulars.  Was it his first time?  Only time?  Was he engaged in sightseeing only?  Or was there more?  The unlucky Admiral apologized officially to the Chief of Staff, and was officially reprimanded.  no matter how you look at it, this incident will probably mark the end of his glorious military career.  But should he resign?  Should he be dismissed?  His ranks taken away?

Typical to Israeli very colorful society, opinions are many and different.

The women in the Israeli Parliament called for his immediate dismissal, just in case he doesn’t resign on his own.  In fact, women around the country united, or almost united, in calling for his demise.  They said that the act of striptease is humiliating to women, that these poor women are using their bodies to make a living.  They said that the “exotic dancers” are being subjected to the disrespectful act of exposing themselves in front of a pack of hungry (and possibly drunk) wolves.  They concluded that merely by being there, the Admiral is condoning the humiliation of women.  They have a point.

His friends, mostly men, and other men, said that he should be forgiven,  That he slipped.  That it was a one time event.  Men are generally more forgiving than women.

Some suggested that a line should be drawn.  The man is a professional soldier, a commended officer, an accomplished commander.  What he does after hours is none of our business.

To me it’s very clear.  The man must go.  Today.  But for a different reason.  And the reason is stupidity.  I simply don’t want a stupid Admiral at the head of the Israeli Navy.  Why stupid you should ask?  Because a man of his stature must know what we all know, a public figure, representing the military, thousands of soldiers, the state, going to a place of shame, is a stupid thing to do.  Stupidity has no place at the top of the military.  Admiral Marom, please resign, go home, take off your uniform and go pursue your hobbies.

Again, the bright side in this story is the fact that it’s out of the usual these days, although it does have a certain aspect of unemployment…