Krrrr Krrr...

Know what that sounds like, scratching the bottom of the barrel. On one end (no pun intended), we have Obama getting elected raising hopes in ways nobody ever dreamed off, and on the other in India, we find crooks like Sanjay Dutt and Azharuddin to run for power.

The Dutt guy cannot act, cannot live his life straight without drugs, leads both his private and public life in a despicable fashion and receives support from another scumbag Amar Singh. To top if off, Amar Singh pulls off the Manyata stunt. The other Azhar -- what a role model he is? Screws up his cricketing career, ditches his wife and children for another bimbo and now wants to find his place in politics.

How in the world do these dumbwits have the audacity to stand up after all their fuck-ups? It isn't as much crime for them to run for power as it would be if we voted them in. So, please don't.

Openness and honesty

Why do we preach honesty, openness and dialogue in schools and not follow through as countries? In several past instances, when ever there is trouble between two countries, why do they indulge in proxy statements through the press instead of talking as adults?

If there is evidence (according to the press, its in abundance) that Pakistan is the breeding ground for these barbaric maniacs, the plot was hatched in Pakistan, then I would hope the government would put out the entire evidence in front of the world to see. That would take not only the entire country into confidence but also all the international community.

Also, during the US election season, there was a congregation of all past National Security Advisers in United States (Colin Powell, James Baker, Madeline and two others) that suggested that talks at the lowest level of governments lead no where. They said when situation is spiraling out of control, it has to be done at the highest levels.

Please put the evidence on Zardari's table and leave him no choice but act. It seems common sense but history will show that common sense is un-conventional when dealing with two countries at the brink of war. I hope this time un-conventional wisdom is the norm and innovative solutions are put in place to find peace. Please, please do!!

Introspection or Revenge?

I am angry, very angry that innocent citizens in Mumbai have been slaughtered. Children, women, young and old, black, brown and white, guns and grenades know no difference. We humans, do. What is unfortunate in every case that has happened, be it war or terrorism, it is we humans who direct those guns and grenades to result in the carnage. When it is done, we do not know what we leave behind.

My first reaction as an Indian after seeing the mind-numbing scenes was to have India blow Pakistan to smithereens but what would that solve? We would wage a war, millions more would lose their lives and animosity would grow further.

If for a minute, we would put aside our differences, and understand why these psychos turn into monsters at the age of 20, we may be able to salvage something.

I titled Introspection or Revenge because I an not sure whom to believe. Whether I should believe the leaders of India who at each opportunity point fingers to Pakistan or to Pakistan, at every opportunity wipe their hands clean saying that 'no elements' from Pakistan are responsible. See these two headlines to see what I mean:





For both countries, I think it is high time that they did some introspection. For India, it has to start from 'within'. It is beyond doubt that a part of the society is communal. It is evident with the Malegaon blasts to Christian violence in Orissa. I am sure everyone feels its time for revenge. Lets start with the why's and if we decide the answer is only revenge, then we at least understand better what we need to do. Revenge can certainly wait a few more days, but if we don't make an attempt to understand now, the opportunity will be lost. As humans, we also have attention span disorder.

Indian Nuclear Deal -- Politics at its worst

I happened to watch today's debate in NDTV with the left parties represented by Basu, Congress represented by Dr.Singhvi, SP represented by Siddiqui and BJP represented by Rudy. It was moderated by Vikram who unfortunately was often left to witness in disdain the cacophony and mockery of some of the basic tenets of debating.

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/videopod/default.aspx?id=33476

As much as an emotional issue it could be, except for Dr. Singhvi, all others demonstrated no courtesy towards fellow speakers.

That aside, it is absolutely sad to see an opportunity wasted for Indian Politics when for once, all political parties had a chance to showcase to the world that they stand in unison, rise above all the bickering, and embrace a deal that will propel India's Energy Future. The worst example today was demonstrated by a one Mr. Vinod Kumar from TRS when a simple question was asked by Vikram, whether he would rise above the local politics (aka Telangana issue) to support the national interest. Had that question met with an answer such as "I don't know my party's position yet (or) we don't for XYZ reason", I would have been not so irked. Mr. VK answers it with the following words. "If Telangana issue is addressed, we would be willing to vote for the UPA government".

For a Member of Parliament to be such short-sighted should be enough basis for disqualification and kicked to the bloody bottom of the society. These petty narrow-minded politicians are unfortunately what makes the country weak. When an issue that concerns the entire nation is on the table, hijacking the mandate is not only unpatriotic but also criminal.