Michael Bloomberg: Why & Why Not A Jewish President

Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg seems to be running for president. He's giving speeches about government policies across the country- Oklahoma and Texas included ! He has got the money, ambition and will be termed out of New York in 2009. New York City's budget this year will total $59 billion. That's more than several states combined. He's also Jewish.

Is America ready for a Jewish president? That is a cultural question. Culture springs from the geography of one's country. Jews have been without a homeland and a sustaining cultural base for thousands of years. They have been rountinely assimilated and rountinely expelled from many and varied countries in recorded history. But, America's diverse population is largely built on the outcasts of other countries. The culture of America is still a work in progress, seemingly defined by the last immigrant or special interest group.

But what makes America work is it's wealth. A lot of resentment, bias, dislike because of cultural differences can be smoothed over by a healthy economy and a regular pay check. So Bloomberg's control over New York's $59 billion makes sure that everyone gets a piece of the Big Apple. This includes the latest immigrant to the over paid City bureaucrat. Everyone must be happy. A Bloomberg presidency would almost guarentee a bloated, intrusive federal government

But what would happen if the money ran out in a severe recession or depression? Would the deep-seated, radical cultural roots assert themselves? And what are his feelings about Israel's security versus U.S. security? Could America be in more jeopardy because of a Jewish president's care for the rogue Jewish state?

Culture does count. Culture is more important than money. Countries based on culture last longer than cultures based on redistribution of wealth and intrusive governments. Culture is the low-cost producer of lasting relationships. The great struggle in America is all about trying to define a culture that has some limitations, shows some discrimination and is based on sustainable personal responsibility. With this in mind, Bloomberg would not really understand the presidential requirements.