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
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