A man to his fellow man about politicians
Hello Rabbi.
As is customary in the political game, public figures are constantly exposed to ridicule, scorn, jokes, and sarcasm. I, among other citizens, also enjoy criticizing politicians. In my opinion, a person entering the political game must take this into account. However, are there any moral/halachic rules regarding harming politicians and how far it is permissible to humiliate them?
thanks.
Some have tried to formulate such ethical rules. I think I once saw an article by Rabbi Sherlow about slandering and defaming politicians (I now see a link here: https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%9C%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%A2-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%A4%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%98%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%95%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%A9%D7%99-%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8/).
I think the basic rule is that what is necessary for political discussion is permitted, both because it is beneficial and because the things are known to everyone and because the politician took it upon himself when he entered the game.
Beyond that, if there is someone who does not do something to you, then the commandments between a person and his fellow man do not apply to him. Who is included in this category? In my opinion, not every criminal. A regular secular person is a baby who has been captured. Only if there is someone who you believe is intentionally evil. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, in my opinion, religious criminals are less likely to do something to you than secular people.
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