That’s how it’s been lately. From one computer, to another. Always logging in. Checking statuses, sharing, tweeting. Can’t miss anything. Gotta be connected. Web presence is above all.
He looked at the Facebook page calling on people to stop buying cottage cheese. Almost 100 thousand people have “liked” it. Cottage cheese was up to 8 shekels for a 250 gr carton. Indeed, it was outrageous.
He was tired. He was frustrated.
He felt bad about himself. He’s done nothing over the years to make this place better.
He’s against the occupation, even voted Labor every time. But he could never muster up the strength to go to any demo. Truth be said, he couldn’t care less about the Palestinians. He just doesn’t want to rule them anymore.
And with Bibi, things seem to really be stuck. Might even be headed towards war in September. Who knows.
He’s always been pissed off with the growing gaps between the rich and poor. But never even signed a petition.
Shmulik was trying to understand why a 4 room apartment in Nes Ziona, where he’s never even set foot and sure he’ll hate, has to cost 450 thousand US dollars? And he only makes 40 grand a year. Before taxes.
Why does gas cost 8 dollars a gallon?
Why does he have to pay 120% taxes on a new car? For a simple Mazda 3 the average Israeli needs to fork over 14.2 salaries. A German 5.4. An American 3.8.
What about the education system? Shmulik remembered the days when Israel used to be in the top 10 in the PISA scores, now we’re in the 40’s. Out of 64 countries.
Shmulik thought hard what he could do. He can’t afford a simple apartment in commuting distance from Tel Aviv, he lives in one of the most expensive countries in the world, surrounded by enemies, and his kids will be educated poorly compared to other countries.
And the place seemed to be turning into a right wing theocracy right before his eyes.
He rubbed his hummus-belly as he stared at the cottage cheese Facebook page. He imagined himself entering a supermarket that sold only countries. He picked up a bottle of Israel, and noticed that for the exorbitant price he really wasn’t getting that much bang for his buck.
And then he decided. That’s it.
He’s HAD it! Enough of this crap!
He’s had enough of sitting around on his ass. He thought of the Arab Spring, and how people had the power to change. They had courage.
It was time to do something here, too.
So, with all the strength he could muster in his right hand, Shmulik lifted his chubby index finger, positioned the cursor over the “like” button of the cottage cheese page, and left-clicked as hard as he could.
Then he wiped the sweat off his forehead and gave the kids a bath.