M.A.D. LESSONS FROM US PREZ ELECTIONS FOR INDIA

The recent US elections have returned a man born in Africa to a black father and white mother. Obama was brought up in Asia before finally migrating to the US. Pres. Obama is a self-made man, who identifies with hopes of majority middle and lower class Americans incl Asians, Hispanics and other immigrants- they constitute an ever growing populace.

Obama’s thumping majority in spite of US not doing well at all – economy, jobs and growth – the issues which impact the youth and others notwithstanding their cultural background or the country of origin. There needs of job security; financial comfort;  adequate  health,  education housing and old age  dignified life are so much akin to the basic third world needs. These can also be termed as the basic dignity of life needs.

In spite of the problems in Iran, Afghanistan- Pakistan, rise of assertive China; Israel asserting in mid-east, where the track record of Republicans is by far better, the people chose a democrat.

Obama was seen as a family man confronted with similar problems of ant citizen, i.e., future of the kids including affordable and quality education; job security; financial security; health security etc. Michelle augmented this image and fears of a caring mother of two daughters. No arrogance or vulgar display of wealth or dynasty was visible at all.

Obama knew his job – his answers on debates with Romney were simply outstanding- more so the one of lesser horses vs ships during the defence debate. The US system forces the political leadership to come clean on their views on all issues even if they be controversial. This ensures that the perspective leader has given a detailed thought to all issues and these better be in tune with the people whose votes he wishes.

The candidates take great pride in their families, religious thought and cherished values and the vision of taking the country ahead in the comity of nations.

Our State

As of today, our elected candidate/ party generally represents minority of populace when it comes to numbers. Multi party/candidates ensure that 30 per cent votes ensure success at the ballot. This ipso facto implies that the winner represents the minority of the populace. All political parties are happily exploiting this fear psychosis of talking about representation and poor but becoming the present day kings with little accountability and all the arrogance of power; shamelessly looting the national wealth and thereafter have the gumption of justifying the criminal deed It has become the family business- the sons, daughters, in laws everyone is in the race of loot.

Our political parties are all divisive if not outright communal. They all creating, keeping alive and playing around with the mutual fears of each other. What a shame, living together we are afraid of our communities/classes/castes. The cancer of corruption is surviving because of this fear created by politicians, so those politicians who can exploit the fears to the maximal will continue to win. This makes the loot inconsequential whilst choosing the elected representatives.

The autonomy of checks and balances as enshrined in the constitution has been severely damaged, this needs to be reset.

What we need

Irrespective of the caste, community religion or the colour of the skin, every human being, wherever he is needs the following

          Safety of life and property

          Live without fear

          Security- jobs and financial

          Harmonious, happy and law abiding society

          Government that delivers the essential services and is transparent and responsive.

          Speedy justice

Development – education of next generation; growth of the current and well-being of elderlies

Briefly we need to facilitate evolution of a political system which caters for the genuine aspirations of all Indians and takes cares of its fears and aspiration thereby ensuring a just, progressive society and accountability and quality governance

What our leaders need to learn

Let the merit lead not the links or dynastic connectivity -- media debates by neutral people on all issues could be an excellent methodology. Honest, caring and visionary leadership.

Lay out a value based, inclusive and indigenous development agenda.

How do we make a difference?

The existing parties and their policies being divisive, we need new party. But that’s not doable because the populace has been tunes to a mind-set of mutual fears/goodies based on various factors.

In the long run, once the divisive parties are rejected, these very parties will automatically moderate their behaviour in tune with the new requirements.

In the short and medium term what can we as individuals do?

One is typical Hindu approach of Karmas. Sit back and relax, let some Annas/Kejriwals take it on.

Second is US way. Let us become leaders of change. Small set of people working with you can be influenced with the power of superior thought and the change begins

If Obama can do it, the decedents of the oldest civilisations to can.

Let’s all join together to make a difference

M.A.D WHERE IS THE ALTERNATIVE

State of Himachal Pradesh went to polls yesterday to elect their future for next five years. With Anna, Kejriwal and hosts of others shouting for corrupt free leaders, perhaps it was a test case to interact with the voter of Himachal.

People of this state are generally God fearing; comparatively honest with little ambition and aspirations. The media interaction of people’s grievances or the wish list was so very simple—bus stand; hospital; school; water for fields; jobs etc. No one was wanting mega things, IIT, IIM, AIIMS, Rail factory etc., akin to the demands at some of the other politically sensitive areas.

Himachal has been by and large following the principle of two party system, though fringe elements appear as independents or break away groups of two major parties but get dissolved post elections. State has also been voting each party alternatively for one exception.

BJP the ruling party is led by Dhumal with Shanta Kumar being the in-house spoiler and the Congress is led by Vir Bhadra Singh with numerous inside spoilers. The corruption cases against Vir Bhadra Singh and his wife did lead to his sack from the Union cabinet a short while ago, but finding no other option he was tasked to lead the Congress charge. The exploits of  Dhumal, being a regional leader are not so well known, but his son who is BJP MP are well known within the state. Land grab and getting industries by the back door is the major sulk which has lot of credence amongst the people of the state.

Whilst speaking to a number of people who know Himachal and have been residing there for a long time, the issue has been quite simple. Both the parties are led by corrupt leadership and everyone knows that but where is the viable alternative?

There are dedicated vote banks of both the parties. These are almost at par with Congress dominating the old Himachal and BJP the lower Himachal. The floating population is about thirty per cent. During the canvassing stage also a very interesting logic was noticed- the dedicated vote bank would vote for the party independent of the credentials of the candidate they were voting far. Since both parties were equally corrupt so might as well vote for your party as some goodies will flow should they come back to power. Corruption and scams do not figure anywhere at all. And it is not for lack of awareness.

What are options for the Indians on the crucial issue?

National interest of development are all bullshit the main concern is greed and promoting own kith and kin and destroying the merit at the earliest ensuring total slavish mind-set.

Choose between the two parties, i.e., BJP and the Congress. As far as the loot and corruption are concerned both are at par.

The party with a difference was away from the Dhritrashtra like dynastic loyalty of Congress but seems to be catching up. Kith and kin are finding their way into politics; father ruling the state and son/wife in the Centre or vice a versa

Smaller parties based on caste/communal groupings like SP; BSP;DMK; RLD;INLD; Shiv Sena; NCP; NC have gone a step ahead and beat both the major parties in corruption and pushing forward the loyalists/kith and kin. Merit is the causality across the board.

It is not possible to raise a new party with different ethics and values.

The only option is between the devil and deep sea. It is well-nigh possible for Anna or his team or anyone else individually or as a fresh grouping to visit all places and generate clean options for the voters.

The option, in that case seems to be to focus efforts on big fish and destroy them at the ballot (an extremely tough task because they nurture their constituency with goodies or goons) but doable. In case the stage is properly set there would be enough filth provided by the enemies of the leader after all they would have antagonised individuals/communities/sub groups. These dissidents and other honest people within/out the government /RTI would give enough ammunition to kill a dishonest politician on the ballot.

 Simultaneously influence a sizable number of seats to have a say as the future lies in fronts/alliances. Thereafter, force policy changes through parliamentary debates and /or using pressure tactics.

To convince the voters of the genuineness of the new outfit, it would be desirable to work out the development plan from the lowest level. Once it’s inclusive and in harmony with the people’s wishes, others will fall in line. Deliver or perish.

The quality brains/ sub groups/ change leaders must start now otherwise the existing parties will bulldoze by sheer power of money; goons and of course the organs of the state which includes large part of the so called independent media.

So  get ready to M.A.D. make a difference, few can not we all can.