none. Given that his personal hero seems to be David Ben-Gurion, whose duplicity and aggressive stance is well documented in Avi Schlaim's The Iron Wall, this is no surprise. Just consider two points from many that deserve comment. "The president, of course, must adhere to the law, strengthen justice, help the executive arm fulfil its duties while respecting the minority. ... The new era, in any case, lowers territorial borders and reduces discrimination among people." Which law is he refering to? Is it the Israeli law that permits Israeli Jews to build their homes on occupied Palestinian land or international law according to which this is illegal? The new era lowers territorial borders? What is he thinking of? The Wall? "We, the Jewish people, have never and will never reconcile ourselves to murder, to falsehood, to mastery, to slavery, to discrimination, to exploitation, to surrender or to stasis." Now it appears that Peres is not only President of Israel but spokespersons for all Jews at all times. But are not Jews just like the rest of humanity including their fair share of rogues and duplicitous leaders along with the the many who have contributed so much to national cultures and to world culture? The President of Israel says "We ... have never reconciled ourselves to ... falsehood .... to discrimination ....". Where does this leave the myths of the creation of the Israeli state (e.g. the Arabs fled not because of ethnic cleansing but because Arab radio stations told them