I think the name is significant. UPI calls the new party "centrist," which I am sure is the mantra Kadima itself puts forward.
But what does "Forward" really suggest? To me, I'm afraid, it sounds like just another variation on "Progressive," which is the ancient term for leftists, Communists, and various other believers in utopian "progress."
One would have hoped that the twentieth century would have revealed that "progress" is a pipe dream, and a very bloody one. But evidently not.
I'm sure there's no direct connection, but it reminds me of the leftist response to the "Take Back Vermont" movement. "Take Back Vermont" meant to take the state back from the hippies who supported Civil Contracts. And the leftist response was "Take Vermont Forward," which you still see all over the place on bumper stickers.
"Forward" is a loaded word. And it is distinctly loaded toward the left.
P.S. Another connection to the word just came to mind, "The Jewish Daily Forward." I fear Sharon intends to show his true colors, which are essentially leftist. At least the Labour party is honest about what it stands for.
Was he facing west when he decided on the name?
.Disagree. Since 9/11 the Bush foreign policy has been as idealistically liberal and progressive as this country has ever had.
Leftists like Chris Hitchens have recognized this nd by supporting Bush's policies, have been nothing but consistent.
I think Sharon and Bush have been on the same page from the get go.
Kadima? It's a good name because Sharon is not playing the status quo game of the Peres crowd; he's moving forward by disengaging Israel from their neighbors.
I don't think "Move America Forward" is a leftist group.