tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16372217187130872732024-02-21T00:18:08.069+05:30On and On It Goes....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-63159355539982155662015-11-07T07:51:00.002+05:302015-11-07T08:09:43.932+05:30Some Kids are Assholes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, the subject itself is risqué. I understand that. But it's so so true. I don't think I would be able to write this without having the specific experiences I have in a general atmosphere around 'kids'. I never really believed in the phrase "all kids are beautiful", or "all babies are cute". I mean, come on, we all know that isn't true.<br />
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But this isn't about looks or cuteness - this is about integrity and character. Unfortunately, some of us are just bad fruit. We don't have the character or 'goodness' in us to call us 'innocent as a kid' even if that's what we are - a kid.<br />
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Some kids are bossy, mean, and self righteous. They stomp on others. They are mean to their comrades. They take advantage of people who are nice and walk all over them. <br />
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I think as parents, part of our responsibility is to realize that you have such a character in your house. You know who you are. You know that your kid is mean, or that at least, he has a mean streak. That he would willingly hurt other kids when no one is watching, or that he would do anything to get his way. There is no way you can say "I didn't see it coming". It's time as parents to accept that we are raising douche bags if we don't try to change their character. We need to put in that extra effort to make sure that we aren't promoting self-absorbed narcissists (I think that's the definition of a narcissist). That extra 'effort' means making them realize how much more important it is to be kind than right. How much more it means to share than to keep everything for themselves. How important it is to stand up for that one kid who is too nice, too giving or too forgiving. Even if you don't stand up for them, at least not stand ON them.<br />
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We hold every other major corporation, person, company accountable for the product they make, so I think we ought to hold parents to the same standards. I don't want to teach to my kid to be mean and angry, so please instead ask your kid to be thoughtful and nice, because otherwise, we will all just be raising our kids to be plain old assholes.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-78210046727918935792013-09-20T08:53:00.000+05:302013-09-20T08:53:59.557+05:30America is good, mostly..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm not one to defend the US or India, but this off-late bashing of the United States for the recently crowned Miss America is getting a little out of control. Sure, she's the first Indian American, who deserves some respect to overcome cultural barriers and stereotypes. But to expect everybody in America will get on the 'multicultural bandwagon' is ridiculous to say the least.<br />
No doubt, there were some racist pricks across the country who took offense to the fact that she didn't look exactly like Barbie, but is that really that bad? I mean, to say that everywhere else in the world we have an acceptable level of racism except for the United States is a big lie, to say the least. Let's take India, for example. There are enough racists in India to ensure that newly crowned Miss America Ms. Nina Davuluri never sees the world stage. A lot of Indian people living in India are obsessed with skin color. It is automatically assumed in India that the lighter your skin color is, the better/more beautiful you are. It doesn't matter your eyes are bigger than your mouth, or that you look sideways when you're trying to look straight - that is the bottom line 'truth'. So to somehow imply that all of America is racist and evil because some ignorant losers think that Ms. Nina is not American enough is simply inaccurate. In ever country, there are ignorant people. <br />
If anything, we should be proud of the USA that a dark skinned Indian girl got to be the woman of the year, she couldn't have had this privilege in her own 'home' country. So just stop whining and be thankful.<br />
Be thankful that you live in a country that for the most part respects who are as oppose to what you look like. Even though it would be easy for me to pretend that I'm a target of racism - I'm not. Most people try to be politically and socially correct by not assuming they know everything about me based on my skin tone or my name. They give me a chance. They let me speak. They listen when I speak. They are genuinely impressed when I can do crazy math in a matter of seconds. That is more than what I can say about my motherland - India. I'm so tired of being called not 'pretty enough' because I'm not light enough or that I should use the cream 'Fair and Lovely' because the mean the same thing. Aren't my grandma's days over yet? <br />
Geez, stop giving America a hard time about this. We got other bigger issues we need to discuss and worry about. How about the fact that we have experienced 250 mass shootings this year alone? How about the fact that 48 million of our people are on food stamps? Do we really need to spend all our energy discussing the ignorant 2% who think the current Miss America isn't American enough? We need to focus on constructive criticism, because simply criticizing doesn't accomplish anything.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-9692571343401339362013-05-03T23:08:00.002+05:302013-05-03T23:08:22.282+05:30Shameful Embarrassment..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while I've been in India.. But being here has been bittersweet. It's exciting to bring my little boy here to visit his grandparents and scores of other relatives but it's sad to see that recent events here have tainted my experience as a whole. Gang rapes and utter disregard for women's right to be treated with respect has put me off a lot more than I expected. As I walk through the crowded bazaars and bargain with witty shop keepers I constantly find myself looking over my shoulder to make sure I'm not being followed, eve teased, or treated like a piece of meat by locals.<br />
I'm sure I'm not alone. There are millions of girls who feel this insecurity, especially in the capital. It is discouraging to see even after all that's gone down in the last few months there is no awareness in the general male public regarding women's sentiments regarding these issues. Why is it so difficult to leave the perversion at home and not carry it around everywhere they go? It is an interesting discussion as to why our society is like this.<br />
Intellectuals and feminists argue that Islamic countries treat women unfairly with Sharia law. They are secondary to men and even in the eyes of the law they have little rights compared to their counterparts. But the best thing about these countries is that they have very strict laws in place for rapists and sexual harassers. They are castrated and shamefully punished when they are found guilty. But in the veil of democracy and a fair and just trial, thousands of Indian men escape the cruelest of punishments for the most horrendous crimes due to lack of evidence. Evidence - such a strong word with the gross implication that burden of proof lies in on the state. There is nothing wrong with this philosophy, except that in a corrupt nation where policewallas can be bought out and just a few rupees in bribe will cover up almost any 'evidence' it holds little to no value.<br />
Raping a 4 year old girl should not require a fair trial. When it is clear that there was an interaction between a deviant and this little girl, there should be no more questions asked. Hang the bast*ard. He doesn't deserve fairness. He is unworthy of a democratic and due process. He didn't give that little girl a chance. Why does he get one?<br />
Sure, you can blame it on the corruption. Things like this happen because of disregard of the law, but there is a much bigger question in play here. Why are these Indian men such monsters? Why do they act in devious ways with innocent girls? What is driving this traumatic culture? Yes, culture. India boasts of a rich heritage and a varied culture. But when things happen repeatedly in a society, it becomes the culture. Gang rapes are the culture now. Should we be proud of being a Hindustani now? I was always proud to say I come from a land of tremendous diversity and acceptance, but I no longer want to associate with this place if we are going to do nothing about such monstrous acts. This blog won't make a difference, I know that. I'm not that naive. But there needs to be more action than talk. I'm tired of prime time news channels covering this issue with no productive outcomes. I'm tired of watching my back as I walk around in public. I'm tired of 'this doesn't happen with educated people' excuses.<br />
India is a rural country. Most people are not educated. But lack of education shouldn't make us monsters. We need to change some things - NOW. The Indian youth needs to make some noise. Get out of your fantasy lands where money buys fairness and locks it away in a box. Let's lock up these animals instead.<br />
Where are we headed? Let's not let these events define who we are as a people, because today, we're all ashamed.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-22898705097331508272013-01-18T05:10:00.000+05:302013-01-18T05:10:50.521+05:30So Much to Lose..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When stupidity is louder than common sense<br />
When instead of sleeping safe, we prefer awakening tense<br />
When we disagree not to defend principles but to bring people down<br />
When compromising is viewed as a weakness and its powerful that frown<br />
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New lows threatening genuine goodness linger<br />
Yes, it's easier to have discussions now, just point that finger<br />
What doesn't change is the need for progress<br />
The need to stop and listen before that angry egress<br />
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This country where we celebrate opportunistic freedom<br />
Is blurred in political lines instead of working in tandem<br />
Purpose, intention, empathy<br />
Leap over, it's all in jeopardy...<br />
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What am I to tell my son of the world he lives in?<br />
Is it better to wobble with guns than muscle with emotional strength?<br />
Will being armed make him more of a man?<br />
So he can rise up violently to a grand occasion of another's hostile plan?<br />
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I can't let him forget that kindness is louder than bullets<br />
I can't let him believe that his conscience is a puppet<br />
If he can stand up against the odds<br />
When it is easier to buckle up and nod<br />
He will reach his utmost potential<br />
Regardless of policy, power and rendition</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-79106498493577042532012-04-11T18:39:00.001+05:302012-04-11T18:39:29.684+05:30Yoga has Hindu roots - Duh, stupid..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While driving to work, I heard an interesting story on NPR about yoga. I think most people know that Yoga has Indian roots - as in it has been part of our culture/history/mythology/religion for at least the last 5000 years (if nothing else, the fact that yoga is initiated by the Hindu greeting 'Namaste' should send a clue). While embracing the intense yet physically peaceful aspects of this 'exercise', the West has chosen to stay away from the religious roots of this stressed-culture fad. When the Hindu American Foundation posed a question regarding the absence of the reference of Hinduism in the 'yoga-context' to a popular exercise magazine, they were given the shrugged response that the term Hinduism has a lot of 'baggage'. Interesting.<br />
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How belittling is it to reduce a philosophy that represents spirituality, truthfulness, peace, unity and harmony to merely a physical act of losing some calories. Sure, a good percentage of yoga 'regulars' know that it is much more than that. But deferring from crediting the deep roots of something so powerful to one of the world's oldest religions for the fear of some 'cultural' baggage is unfair and limiting. Sure, you don't need to be Hindu to benefit from yoga - but the acknowledgement that the Hindu religion is basis or shares basis with this effective technique speaks volumes about the beauty of this religion overall - currently not very apparent to a lot of Westerners.<br />
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On the world stage of controversial religions, Hinduism does not occupy any relevance. It is and has been a non-binding, self engaging, and karmic way of life that is often overlooked as a polytheistic mythological fantasy draped in the name of a 'religion'. But this simplistic view has been stereotyped and perpetuated by many sources by simply leaving things unsaid or unacknowledged. It is perhaps impossible for most people to realize that the direct relevance of the Bhagvad Gita, Vedas, and other old Hindu legacies to our daily lives even today exists in direct correlation, but a little 'hats-off' would be nice. Anyone who would simply dismiss yoga because it has Hindu roots shouldn't be doing any yoga anyways - hate is poison for the soul!<br />
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Ah, another one of those 'common sense' Hindu teachings. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-16276545214978193832012-03-21T04:39:00.000+05:302012-03-21T04:39:14.160+05:30Liberty Alert: Firearms Kill People!Recent news regarding a FL teenager killed by a neighborhood watch 'supervisor' has diverted my attention to violence friendly laws in multiple states across the United States. In this particular instance, Trayvon Martin, a 17 year old black teenager was standing around in his friend's neighborhood while on the cell phone while another male - George Zimmerman- came from behind and shot him with his handgun. It is worth mentioning that the 'other male' was Hispanic in ethnicity (so it isn't considered a typical racist crime) and was fulfilling his responsibility by keeping his eyes open around the neighborhood looking for 'suspicious' activities. He first called 911 expressing his concerns regarding this suspicious teenager in a neighbor's yard and even when told not to follow the victim outside, did so and after a short scuffle, ended up shooting Trayvon killing him on the spot.<br />
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Keeping the race drama out of it (as suggested by some media), Zimmerman was never taken into custody because under FL self-defense law, aka Stand Your Ground law, it makes it rather simple to attack a potential 'attacker' if you 'reasonably' believe that you have to act in force to protect yourself. Specifically it states: "A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony."<br />
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Rather open to interpretation. Aside from the fact that self defense homicides have gone up 300% since this Stand Your Ground law was passed, it is baffling that such incidents are not worthy enough to debate or change the necessity of having lenient gun laws, such as those present in over a quarter of the states in this country that don't require a license to carry a firearm and about a dozen that don't require a permit to carry a concealed weapon. <br />
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No matter what this attacker's intentions were, there is no denying the fact that the gun made it easy for him to commit this murder and use 'force' in a deadly and effective way. There are people who will perhaps find other ways to kill, no matter how strict the gun laws are, but simplifying the process to gain access to a firearm is detrimental to society and communities as a whole.<br />
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The so-called red aka Republican aka conservative states take pride in the second amendment and chirp songs on liberty, but what is often overlooked is that 'this' liberty and freedom acts out as self-serving and self-centered and does not usually serve interests of society and people as a whole. Isn't it time we frown upon using firearms and violence as a means to resolve a conflict? The children in our society surely think that guns make pains go away. Let's get real with guns, they kill people, or at least, make it terribly easy to do so. <a href="http://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/gun-violence/">Almost 70%</a> of homicides (2006-2010) across the country were committed due to firearms - smoking gun - is it not?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-48743208536310908382012-02-15T01:39:00.002+05:302012-02-15T01:44:11.728+05:30Let the Facts Clear the Fallacies....Listening to Romney and the likes criticizing Obama's foreign policy approach is baffling. For anyone who has followed world events and America's response in the last couple years can say that there has been plenty accomplished since George Jr. left the Oval Office in 2009. Here are just a few that come to mind:<br />
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-Improvement and in some cases creation of Arab League relations during the Middle East civil unrest movements including the Libyan civil crisis. Through constructive and pragmatic dialogue, President Obama and his foreign diplomacy team were able to protect 'humanitarian rights' (or oil-rich political interest) in Libya until the fall of Ghaddafi - leading to a relatively short climactic shift of power in the region and one without notable US military involvement.<br />
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- An upfront, brutally honest relationship with Pakistan which has led to a step-child but child nonetheless, kind of relationship in which truth is expected, conveyed and evaluated openly. For the first time in eight years, US has formally acknowledged instability in Pakistan and its vulnerability to fall prey to terrorist organizations.<br />
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-Transformed Egyptian leadership without long term goals to be present in the region<br />
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-A stern and solid yet relatively calm approach with Iran which has led to diplomatic restlessness within the Iranian regime now cracking under sanctions. Hostility between Israel and Iran continues to rise though, which means a detoured approach will now be demanded.<br />
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-Renewed relations in Asia with China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan including hosting the VP of China, Xi Jinping in the US. This trip was strategically planned to collaborate expectations from American/Chinese leadership as well as the importance of fairness in the global marketplace when he takes over as the leader in the PRC in the next couple years.<br />
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-Ended the war in Iraq as and when promised during his election campaign.<br />
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Just the regions I mentioned above account for more than half of the world's population..I think that's a modestly aggressive approach to foreign policy for a 3 year old president. Just saying.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-52143287004347335072012-02-04T03:07:00.000+05:302012-02-04T03:07:33.097+05:30Get 'em CPS..Debate has been raging in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) between parents, teachers and the school organization on length of school days. CPS argues that their school district lags behind nationally in their instructional time and given consistent poor performances by students is adding to the list of reasons why this is a good idea. So what is the debate about?<br />
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Parents, teachers and students each have their own set of concerns about this. Parents complain that their kids are too tired, along with students who say that they are 'swamped' and 'tired' already with the amount of work they currently have. Teachers are puzzled on how to accommodate another 40 minutes of lesson planning. <br />
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But the issue is a lot bigger than what appears. It is ridiculous for parents or students to complain about the amount of work in any American high school, let alone ones in an under-performing school district. Granted that quality and not quantity of education is what we should be concerned about, but this is an effort to fix something that is broken by the school district and the gesture should be welcomed and supported.<br />
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An average high school student has plenty of options to engage in co and extra-curricular activities. Some of these activities are time consuming and tiring, leaving them little to no time for academics. Between athletics, music, drama, speech and other dozens of extra-curricular options available, a student can't be blamed for not wanting to do geometry practice. With both parents working, going home isn't necessarily a much better option - given socially polluting television shows that are often used as soothers. Aren't we better off having these kids be in school another hour every day either engaging in their activities of choice or spending more time on academics?<br />
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Whether or not to add the extra time to each day is a senseless debate. How to spend the extra 40 minutes is a legitimate one. Perhaps these schools need to take a look at their after-school offerings and incorporate them in the school day or use this time as extra prep time for college exams, advanced classes, or adding a basic course in Finance 101. I'm not talking about stock market analysis or financial portfolio management. How many 17 year olds know what it means to have a credit card, not pay your bill on time or at all, the consequences of accumulating a debt and paying higher interest rates in turn ruining your credit score? I think the safe assumption would be less than 20%. Why don't we invest in common sense courses so we can strive for smarter civilians?<br />
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I hope the city school district wins this one.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-44638220325422277702012-01-25T21:04:00.000+05:302012-01-25T21:04:26.859+05:30Shamefully Shirking Santorum...All this talk about American values and dreams in the GOP race is very resonating. Almost every candidate works out his vocal cords every speech, or town hall meeting on the importance of restoring or believing in America or fighting for America. <br />
<br />
But yet, what is America?<br />
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Isn't it the land of the free where liberty takes precedence over race or religion. Shouldn't this country stand for diversity, equality and honesty? Of course. That will be the politically correct answer. Sadly, it is not the honest answer.<br />
<br />
An old misinformed woman in a Florida town hall said this about not referring President Obama as the President:<br />
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“I don't refer President Obama as president because, legally, he is not.He is an avowed Muslim. And my question is: why isn’t something being done to get him out of our government? He has no legal right to be calling himself President."<br />
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Of course, there was ignorant applauding in the crowd. But there was a smirk of agreement from Mr. Santorum. Knowing fully well that the President is not an 'avowed' Muslim, or that he did actually win the election which would 'legally' make him the President, and that even if he was a Muslim, 'avowed' I might add, does not deem him ineligible to be President! <br />
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Yet, Mr. Santorum chose to cowardly oblige this ignorant remark. Representing American values and the idea of 'justice for all', he responded to his indifference in this incident as not feeling the need to correct an old angry woman. He considered it not his responsibility. What a cheap shot. <br />
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Why do people allow others to breed and promote ignorance? Shame on you Santorum, for that un-American indifference and shirk of responsibility.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-16192736171406168442012-01-22T12:19:00.003+05:302012-01-24T04:29:43.288+05:30My Motto: Is it A Truthful America, Are You??It's been a quiet few months..due to personal changes..<br />
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It doesn't change the fact that I am too embarrassed to speak on behalf of the American people. I am embarrassed that the President of this country is an honest man yet happens to be Black and does not get credited for the perfect leader that he is. I am embarrassed that he is a nontraditional man that is not successful in breaking the traditional stereotype and being the perfect leader. I am embarrassed that our country expects the first non-white yet only 40 year old experienced and expected leader to perfect leadership qualities. Are the American people so stupid that they can't speak on behalf of intelligence? We fall prey to manipulative media and faltered facts...We fall prey to mainstream acceptability of manipulated facts...We are slaves to what is told is real, unrealistic of truthful dogma. We are falling for the Gingrich's for the nation and the Romney's of financial realities. Let's get real.<br />
<br />
Gingrich paid 1 million DOLLARS in taxes last year.<br />
Romney paid only 15% of taxes on his 8 million dollar income last year. Yet, they scream about equality of success. Is success every equal? Are we ever asked how successful we are based on our income? We pay taxes on what we earn, not on what we make or how we earn it.<br />
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These are the people that almost 50% of America trust as Republican leaders. There is a serious disconnect in our idea of a leader and someone who can relate to US. There is no US when it comes to leadership in America. Leadership means DOLLARS, that is what pays these people to SERVE us. <br />
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Once again, we have the opportunity to make a change.. A change between pathetic and being most pathetic is a difficult yet easy choice.. I would rather pick someone who is honest with modest beginnings than someone who is shady and hard to track. I hope the best man wins. In this case, it will be months of tracking and investigating. I am willing to serve my time. <br />
Are you??Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-77831315982146988662011-10-04T01:09:00.000+05:302011-10-04T01:09:10.836+05:30Logical Protest, Radical Means!There is so much happening in the world right now. Liberation marches to wars to financial gridlock to Apple iPhone5 release! The march by Wall Street protesters for the past week has been a pretty interesting one to watch. The cause is simple and resonating. Elimination of corporate influence from politics. Good idea, nearly impossible to accomplish. But unless average citizens voice their opinions, there will be no attention directed that way actively anyway. <br />
I was on board with the whole Wall Street protesting agenda until I read the latest on this story. Protesters are dressing up as zombies and eating monopoly money to create a 'metaphorical impact'. Creative, but not effective. <br />
When trying to make a point in the mass public, extreme gestures of anguish such as this can be perceived as ridiculous and lacking judgement. I am on board with the humorous-literal-ironic symbolism in this case, but most people won't be. Especially people who are trying to discredit this protest. They will use this gesture to their advantage as a sign of lacking proper agenda and common sense. <br />
I hope the protesters regroup and rethink their strategy. Persistence is a great thing in this instance, but radical behavior might not have the desired consequences..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-34636958794381685572011-08-27T00:41:00.000+05:302011-08-27T00:41:54.756+05:30No more 'democracy' projects, please!Middle East unrest is a never-ending drama, this has been realized. But the Libyan rebellion is a historic moment, no doubt. After tolerating 42 years of Gadafi's authoritarian and suppressing dictatorship, the people of Libya are ready for a change. Great. Before complete transition of power, however, there will be a period of chaos. This is what the western world needs to realize - capitalistic, money-hungry-contracting corporations veiling under interim western governments in this situation will not assure a smooth transition. I think we can look back not too far in history to get evidence for that.<br />
President Obama has played a pretty neutral/NATO led role so far. He has not invested huge amounts of troops, money, or resources yet. However, listening to concerns from members of Congress and Senate it appears that US wants to get more involved. If America gets its hands dirty in yet another country's transitional period with the excuse of providing 'stability', the world will not buy the reason this time. Sure, democracy is a beautiful thing. But it doesn't work everywhere, and it certainly doesn't work the first time around. After four decades of a no-brainer government, Libyans will need some time to sort out their issues and take a unified stand. To control Libya by labeling the current chaos unstable is premature. <br />
The Rebels, backed by NATO with weapons and moral support, are angry and aggressive at the moment. They have finally reached Tripoli after six months and raided Gadafi's compound. They are violent and hungry for change. But this excitement is seen as acts of terror by American experts. NPR reported a story where a Congressman was voicing his concerns about the Rebels and how the US must provide support. I think this is brutally unfair. First we give them ammo for rage, provide them with support and help on the ground, promote their reasons for rebellion, and when they finally succeed, we criticize their methods and question their efforts. There is nothing wrong with NATO nations providing humanitarian and civil support, but proactively getting involved in their unstable politics and key decisions as a method to invest in the country would be cold and calculative.<br />
Americans are well known for their two sided politics and hypocritical foreign policy, but hopefully this time America handles its own domestic issues before taking up another 'democracy' project. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-38855085700409601822011-08-22T07:54:00.000+05:302011-08-22T07:54:16.875+05:30The World Likes Drama...Phew. It's been a quiet month for this blog, but there is so much craziness happening in the world right now. It seems that chaotic winds are springing in all directions from east to the west. Uprisings, change, dissatisfaction. These words are blatantly omnipresent in current political happenings across the globe. Aside from the 'democratic uprisings' happening in Libya and Syria, England and India are protesting in their historical ways. After an unfair encounter in a racially divided neighborhood involving the police, London mobs went nuts. Vandalism and public violence took over the streets in London. Criminology and psychological experts explained that violence is a part of English history and heritage. The typical mob mentality that springs from a valid idea quickly turns to illogical and blind following by an angry crowd. It was recently reported on NPR that the two people that promoted these riots in London on facebook have been sentenced 4 years in jail while a minor was banned from social networking sites for a year and 3 months house arrest. Additionally, it was reported that of the thousands of protesters that were in the streets of London the last few days are being punished in harsher ways than typically allowed by law. Judges are ordering cancelling of public benefits and stripping welfare from family members of protesters. <br />
While one government is using strict sentencing to prevent civil violence, another had to let someone free to somewhat control the general population. Social activist in India, Anna Hazare, has appealed to major vertical chunks of the Indian population and is resorting to non-violent Gandhian protesting against corruption. After being taken to one of India's most notorious jail, Tihar Jail, he was finally set free last week on demand by the Indian people. This movement, going on for over 8 weeks now, is at it's peak and can be a revolutionary change in Indian history. Given India's strong economic growth over the past decade, their huge potential for a consumer driven market, and less than 35% dependence on exports for generating a competitive GDP only has corruption standing in its way to prosperity. However this deep rooted disease that takes over basic tasks and everyday chores has been deserving attention for decades. Corrupt and influential politicians have to finally bow down to what the world's largest democracy is asking for. A week long fast by Mr. Hazare is raising concerns and ticking down the clock to a time when public service owed is being demanded by the Indian people. People are protesting all across the globe including New Zealand, New York and London. About time Indians stood united for something positive.<br />
Being back in America has its joys, but the self centered and crisis-obsessed news channels are creating limitations for the American populace. Unemployement, debt, inflation, oil prices - huge domestic issues in America right now, but to some extent it can make us feel better that everyone is experiencing some sort of chaos. No matter where you are, there is a situation that is on the edge of getting out of hand - into who's hands, is a matter to wait and watch.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-42216535593672555282011-07-11T14:00:00.000+05:302011-07-11T14:00:43.607+05:30High fives for fair dives...The American legal system might be disappointing consistently, but it seems that some parts of the public service system have their agendas clear and fair. After the Defense of Marriage Act 'defined' that marriage is a union exclusively between a man and a woman, it was concluded that same sex couples were not to receive any federal benefits including Social Security and health care. Highly unfair and let me add, unconstitutional since we are all about 'separation of church and state.' But just like the abortion issue, debates concerning same sex marriages are a hot social topic that are used to deviate the less informed electorate from the facts and get votes.<br />
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But the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has found a solution to get their way with the feds. In order to make up for the unfair treatment of homosexuals and the cost of lost benefits, the city has decided to offer additional pay to gay workers. Being in a gay relationship can cost from $1500 to $3500 a year, and the city is paying their gay employees the appropriate amount so that there is no added burden on not being straight. Amen! If the federal government is bent on socially conservative policies, local governments can take matters in their own hands, and effectively. It shouldn't be anyone's business to define how I should live my life or even worse, punish me if I don't fit the norm. America - the land of the free? Free to do as you please. And if violence, sex, and crime is okay to air any time of the day, then defining the boundaries of 'true love' seems highly contradictory. 17 companies have joined the city in their efforts to fairly compensate gay workers. Hopefully this will catch on, and across the board.<br />
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There was also some fairness and credibility in the realm of international affairs. US has decided to withhold $800 million dollars in aid to Pakistan until they resolve their 'trust' issues. Just like a betrayal in an exclusive relationship, US finding Osama bin Laden in Pakistan has led to estranged feelings of mistrust and doubts. Tensions have escalated and relationships have strained following the raid on May 2 and to be honest, rightly so. Until Pakistan shows that it is indeed against the Taliban (even though this is contrary to documented evidence) and that they are willing to contribute to the demolition of terrorist groups across eastern Asia including Afghanistan, providing millions of dollars in the name of security assistance will only be used for unclear, controversial causes. It has now been uncovered by Admiral Mike Mullen that in order to snap at critics, the Pakistani government is believed to have been behind the abduction and killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad who wrote about the infiltration of Taliban militants in the Pakistani military. Clearly, once again, Pakistan has something to hide. US is acting appropriately given its crucial and self-vested monetary and security interests in the region and using the $$ card might add some strain for better talking points.<br />
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The US Justice system has its share of work cut out to provide fair and correcting justice, but perhaps certain parts of the government do have their priorities straight. Let's get some eyes and ayes on that..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-17021711296421064562011-07-06T12:30:00.000+05:302011-07-06T12:30:23.501+05:30Incompetence needs attention! - Part IIThe Law & Order/CSI like drama surrounding Casey Anthony has come to a surprising close. After weeks of testimonies and years of curiosity a 'fair' jury found 25-year old Ms. Anthony not guilty of first degree murder of her 2 year old daughter. It hasn't been an overwhelming obsession for me as it has been for a lot of Americans. I haven't been glued to news channels and paying attention to every intricate detail on a daily basis; but I did keep up with each day's summary regarding happenings in court. I'm not one who's against the death penalty. I believe that if you commit intentional 'evil' crimes then you should pay for it, with your life. But the verdict of this case has made me question the effectiveness of the jury in decisions pertaining to my life or death. An obvious, smack-you-in-the-face kind of trial as this was mishandled by 12 ordinary people who have failed to provide justice for an innocent little girl. <br />
2 year old Caylee goes missing, and instead of reporting to authorities her mother is seen partying and having late nights in local bars and nightclubs. She has made up stories and characters to cover her lies and 'estranged' behavior. She has tampered investigations by misleading the police and distracting them with unnecessary disturbing fiction that ultimately worked in her favor. Granted that the prosecution didn't have much more than circumstantial evidence to link her to the crime, but common sense and social behavior has been completely disregarded. Isn't emotional intelligence a good reason to question and confirm behavior? All throughout the testimony Ms. Anthony hasn't shed a single tear unless it was regarding herself. She has put her own family's honor into jeopardy by claiming she was abused by her father and her brother just so she can explain why she behaved in a 'strange' manner when her daughter went missing. This was, of course, not proven and the judge eventually forbade the defense to use this angle in the case any further.<br />
This is a case with overwhelming and substantial reason to believe she killed her own daughter. Instead, the jury took only 11 hours of deliberation to conclude that she was not guilty and could possibly walk free. Any jury verdict has to be a unanimous decision. Each and every juror must agree and be convinced of the group vote. Really? Out of the 12 people on the bench, not even one took longer than 11 hours to question this erratic behavior by a supposedly 'innocent' mom? If this is the level of intelligence and conscientiousness that is going to be demonstrated in criminal cases involving life and death, then perhaps it is unfair to have capital punishment in the legal system in the first place. This case has proven that jurors can not only be incompetent and clueless, but can also be easily manipulated and disregard obvious facts.<br />
And hey, Florida has once again raised questions of credibility. Like the mess up in the 2000 election wasn't enough, now they are set on letting murderers walk free!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-16019553383496273632011-06-28T12:17:00.000+05:302011-06-28T12:17:07.431+05:30Can we live and let live...Seems like the world is continually getting smaller given the quick and vast spread of internet and technology. It is rather amazing to realize that there are groups of people and a number of communities that are still isolated from the 'global party'. Earlier this week, Brazilian agency FUNAI discovered a group of indigenous people living in a deep pocket of the Amazon that remain isolated from the rest of the world. <br />
The community strength is estimated to be about 200 and their dwellings were captured in aerial shots through satellite pictures. It takes some effort for our imagination to wrap around the idea that "Pandora" could be an actual place, without the special effects. Prior to all this technology and the cyber takeover, there was a time when people could be self sufficient and reliant and basic human instincts were put to better use. The group is confirmed to be growing their own crops and don't depend on outside resources for their survival.<br />
But our discovery of this tribe is not necessarily a blessing. For the sake of our own curiosity and wonderment we will bother them more than we intend to. According to previous uncontacted-tribe encounters, whenever we try to mingle with these groups, the outcomes are rather grim for the group. So far every tribe encountered by us has fallen prey to our germs. Germs of the modern world that are not present in nature. Through our vaccinations and "latest" biotechnology discoveries, the complexity of virus and bacteria have ten folded in nature and it is clear how unnatural we have become by merely contacting the indigenous. <br />
In the last thirty years, the Maku nomadic group and the Zo'e tribe, both out of the Amazon basin, have lost over half of their populations by contracting diseases after we (the civilized) tried to contact them. But we don't learn our lessons well. An American mission called Jocum is persevering to end these preserving people. Based on a film documentary that captures a tribe burying a child alive, the Jocum mission is fighting to approve a law in Brazil that permits intervening in such practices. <br />
These tribes have been in existence for as long as the rest of human race and have been surviving without our help or guidance for over 10,000 years. Are we really the ones to judge their practices and determine what's right for them to do? Radiation, nuclear power, pollution, and industrial wastes have become a part of our environment for the past few centuries. The developed world has enveloped a self destructive perspective. Perhaps we shouldn't be the ones judging the wiser indigenous people from the outside. We might have mastered mathematics, physics, and learned to defy the rules of gravity but given their survival instincts and self reliance it would be fair to say that they know some things better than we do or will ever understand.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-87758007337736830492011-06-20T14:26:00.000+05:302011-06-20T14:26:14.980+05:30Save the political jargon: Facts please!A recent online article in The Trumpet news magazine caught my irritated attention. The article titled President Obama's Disagreement with Winston Churchill 'claims', citing history and Winston Churchill's philosophy, that President Obama is making a huge mistake by underestimating Germany and not paying attention to what a powerful and influential Germany represents - as suggested by Churchill during World War II.<br />
Every journalist or reporter that covers a story has a right to their opinion. Leaking it over into a story without stating all the facts is not only bad journalism, but it is also irresponsible. For most people, the 'mainstream media' is their only source for news. People don't have the time to dig up facts and old international affairs to crosscheck stories and facts claimed in the media bias. Which is why a good reporter will give sufficient background information and even share facts that might seem to hurt his or her own position on the issue at hand. <br />
Winston Churchill has been raised on a pedestal in America. Agreed that he was a tremendous leader with a vast influential potential and stood for the premises of democracy, capitalism, and 'righteousness' as comprehended by most Americans. But he also had his share of questionable episodes that are often overlooked by the Western media. <br />
During his time served in the British forces during India's independence period, Mr.Churchill had been less than supportive of India's independence movement. Not only did he openly state his discontentment with the idea of an independent India, he also conveyed his dismay with Gandhi's nonviolent movement. He went far enough to state that Gandhi's death was a necessity and that him going on a hunger strike and surviving triumphantly was a failure of Britain's national interest. There are historians that claim that Churchill's wartime government during the Bengal 1943 famine should bear significant blame for the mortality of 3 million people. <br />
Leaders have to thrive midst controversies. Given. But to highlight the positives while ignoring questionable judgement and decisions is a disservice to the masses. <br />
It is considered taboo for leaders of the West to sway against vetted leadership. It is time to take a detour from acceptable and expected leadership and pave way for one that is dynamic, fair and encompassing. Reporters have to promote the idea of global leadership and newfound principles that don't rely on stale, stereotypical schools of thought. Churchill with India, Nixon on Iran Contra Affairs, Roosevelt and his socialist policies, even Jefferson and slavery have all been branded as great leadership, yet share substantial controversial politics. Perhaps Obama's stance on strong German leadership has an agenda bigger than what was needed to be fetched 60 years ago. He doesn't have to equivocate with political jargon and blindly follow acceptable stances given today's world affairs. A good leader's decisions don't need unwarranted following. They can be backed up with unfaltering pragmatism and the truth. <br />
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Find the complete Trumpet article here: http://www.thetrumpet.com/?q=8378.7073.0.0Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-32923863416246653422011-06-13T12:26:00.000+05:302011-06-13T12:26:30.609+05:30Weiner attracts negative publicity..(Pun Intended)Turning on the news channel off late has been a hub of "bizarre" happenings. Protests, wars, earthquakes, waterspouts, scandals! <br />
It is interesting to note how sex scandals get a taboo sort of undivided attention, while illegal lobbying, suicide bombings in war zones and third world agendas (or lack thereof) get less air-time. It's the great media masterminds at work. They know what sells and riding on that for as long as possible drives ratings and of course lots of dollar bills. But the reasons on why such issues sell are double standard and hypocritical in nature. <br />
Case of Democrat House Rep from New York, Mr. Anthony Weiner is one that comes to mind when talking of recent media obsessions. Mr. Weiner thought it would be a good idea to post some sexually explicit photographs of himself via Twitter to his "followers". This caused an uproar in the House and apparently some people were upset. Mostly because he was married, and partially because such actions by an elected official are highly inappropriate. Apparently inappropriate enough to not be fit for the job. Really? Hmm.<br />
Not saying that what he did was okay, but the consequences and reactions arising from these findings deserves some analysis. Even though 56% of the people he was representing believe he was still fit for the job, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi along with Chairwoman Schultz called for his resignation. The reason for their position is not needed. Mr. Weiner's actions are attracting negative publicity for the democratic party. Republicans, hungry for any substantial boost in their chances of winning, are capitalizing on Weiner's goof. Granted his actions were irresponsible and perhaps showed bad judgement, but is he really the sole one guilty of this "worst crime possible"? A large number of Americans, pardon me, millions of people from around the world indulge in such controversial activities on a daily basis. Some of them are surely CEO's of big companies, political figures, and other influential personalities. The rest guilty of this are average people with interests in what seems to be inappropriate virtual hobbies. But these activities don't necessarily make people unfit for their jobs. It's safe to say that by not getting caught most people are able to hide that they have such interests at all. <br />
The cyber-world has become a new ground for political battles. But the true question is whether just because someone gets caught implies they are the only ones guilty. Before the chip-age took front stage, such events took place behind closed doors and sealed envelopes. Before we make judgments and start ridiculing high profile personalities, it is perhaps worth considering how many others were guilty of doing something similar but didn't get caught. In a country obsessed with violence, sex, and reality shows, America is acting a bit too prude-ish on this one. Just because things are more accessible these days, doesn't mean there was nothing to access prior to this digital age. After all, leaders are average people like you and me. They do, agreed, have an edge over us when it comes to influence and power, but believe it or not are human nonetheless. For Mr. Weiner, however, guilty as charged will sum up his time of shame.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-16673172494232472932011-06-02T13:36:00.000+05:302011-06-02T13:36:43.464+05:30America: Still got it!Returning to the US of A after a year (exactly) was crazy and eye-opening. We hear so much in the news about how America is deteriorating and the quality of life is depreciating, etc, etc. But living in India just for a year has opened my eyes to the harsh realities that exist in third world countries that in this day and age are only getting worse. It begins with something even as simple as the airport restrooms. In the states, they are clean and people are courteous. Basic hygiene is in order. Then you step out of the airport and wow, the traffic is organized. There aren't swarms of cars getting in your way as you proceed in traffic. Civic Sense. Two magic words. It is a sigh of relief to KNOW for a fact that other people on the road or using other public amenities will behave in a certain manner. They will not be rude or intrude in your personal space. <br />
Despite all the negative news coming from America, basic comforts remain untouched. It's business as usual for most professional people. They are still pursuing the American dream and enjoying basic liberties. Yes, there are some things very wrong in the political arena, and social issues often clutter democratic principles. But it is still possible to be away from that and life goes on. You can choose to not get involved and go about your everyday business. This concept is non existent in India. No matter how rich or upper class you consider yourself to be, everyone has to deal with the corruption, greedy politicians, dirty water and food scandals. Everyone's gotta watch his own back. <br />
Granted, India has come a long way. More people have access to internet, telephones and televisions. Sure. But it's a long haul ahead. The educated class in India is self interested and self concerned. India is starting to suffer with an ego-centric culture. People are delving into reality shows and propaganda driven news rather than an awareness in a global sense. It's the same problem that America has been suffering from for the last decade, maybe longer. The few things that most Indians feel proud of are being lost to West-obsessed culture while the country itself is lacking in basic infrastructure, access to education, and most importantly a government that cares. <br />
Most Indians that call themselves "patriotic" take offense to constructive criticism. They downplay the positive aspects of the first world. There is nothing wrong with loving your country, no matter how downtrodden it is. But unconditional zest with no room for social improvement is not constructive. One strong argument for India in this context is a powerful word: culture. India is known for it's rich heritage and customs. But that is in fact a hindrance to social and economic growth. People hold on to the culture argument with all their intellectual might. If all else fails, one can always come back and say, "Well, India has culture, it is secular yet relatively peaceful. What country has that?" Good point, but that doesn't make a great nation. Culture alone isn't enough to be a successful country. What about culture though? Since that too is declining. Youth are astray and chase instant gratification. Nothing wrong in that. But that's what most people dislike about America. <br />
It's time we talk about what we like about America. Perhaps that will steer India in the right direction. Focusing on the negative is having an unwanted after effect. A fact that is unquestionably true and remains undebatable: America is a standard and trend-setter in the developed world. As Stephen Colbert wittingly titled his book : 'I am America, and So Can You'. India, the alarm is going off, and we can't snooze any longer...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-59789836848869510432011-05-03T12:01:00.000+05:302011-05-03T12:01:39.788+05:30And the prize goes to...The world has seen some eventful last 7 days. The 'Royal Wedding' extravagant affair took a lot of attention from all around the world, President Obama finally released his long form Hawaiian birth certificate, and then the President produced Osama Bin Laden's death certificate. So now we can all sigh in relief. Or something like that.<br />
The least interesting event of the three is definitely the wedding. Not only did it symbolize a gruesome waste of taxpayer money in a country that's struggling financially but it also showed how senselessly bedazzled the world is with unconcerning fancy parties. No, I'm not British so I probably don't understand the "true meaning" of what this might symbolize but while the world is in the midst of multiple wars and unrests, genocides, poverty, tsunamis and tornadoes, the fact that two normal people decide to tie the knot does not excuse ALL the news channels to air this event. There are enough people who find this a very important happening, but in the grand scheme of things it means nothing to people like you and me. We won't at all be affected by what happens and neither does it symbolize 'true love' as some people have been suggesting. 3 out of 4 of the Queen's children, including Prince Charles, ended their grand weddings in grand divorces. So let's get real. They're pretty normal, and raising them on a pedestal isn't going to change anything except belittle the issues that so need attention and action.<br />
Of course we all heard about President Obama's birth certificate fiasco. A humorous reminder that ignorance can never be diminished and seeing how he's been questioned on the authenticity of what he provided, it's pretty clear that some people are never going to be satisfied with his responses. I hope he learned his lesson well and won't stoop down to prove the crazies right again. Maybe not until election time at least!<br />
The death of Osama bin Laden was pretty big news, though. Aside from the exciting-spy-thriller-movie-like-mystery about covert and clandestine operations by the CIA and Navy Seals, it was just a 'wow okay' moment. Millions of dollars spent and thousands of men looking for this al-Qaeda kingpin for the last fifteen years, and this guy is sitting in a mansion 60 km from the capital city of Pakistan. I mean if the Pakistani government had no clue that he was there (as they are claiming) then the term Pakistani Intelligence is definitely an oxymoron rather than an organization. I was watching the news anchors on all major networks last night speaking with either Pakistani journalists or some members of the Pakistani government and they are in complete denial that this is even possible. Pervez Musharaff, an ex-President of Pakistan, was quoted in an article yesterday stating that the United States, by entering Pakistan and attacking Osama's mansion, committed a breach of sovereignty and is irresponsible. Hello! We only gave them, what, ten years and ten billion dollars each of those years to strengthen their infrastructure, army, weaponry, and "intelligence" so that they could help us catch this guy. He's been sitting under their nose and they have no idea and yet they are talking about irresponsible breach. <br />
So out of the three events, due to the nature of mystery unraveled and questions raised with meaningful answers that can shape diplomatic relations across the world for decades to come, the prize for the best happening this week goes to the blowing up of Osama bin Laden. No offense to any Pakistanis, and I know tons of them coming from Chicago, but this episode is a blunt indication of the shadiness that exists in this country. India has been screaming on the top of its lungs for the last four decades regarding Pakistan's credibility and their leanings towards housing terrorists. President of Afghanistan, Hamad Karzai has been pointing his finger towards Pakistan as the major terrorist State. No one listened. Now Pakistan has to answers some very difficult questions without posing to be a victim of the circumstance, which is what's usually done. Good luck Gilani, where are you going to hide now?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-28610247588191415592011-04-28T11:19:00.000+05:302011-04-28T11:19:23.089+05:30Shameful ignorance wins..again!Yesterday was a shameful day for America. President Barack Obama finally gave in to the racist rants and provided a long-form birth certificate to prove that he is indeed an American born citizen. Shouldn't Americans be focusing on more important issues that are pressing current news? I don't know, maybe we can discuss the Afghanistan or Iraq war, or Pakistani Intelligence directly orchestrating terrorism, or Libya, or Japan, or unemployment or national debt. I mean the list could seriously go on. But no. Donald Trump and like minded morons find it more important to distract the nation with unimportant and irrelevant details that will in no way contribute to a single crisis at hand.<br />
The hue and cry surrounding Obama's birth documents is a clear indication that most conservatives have no clue of what's priority. Just like any issue, the only way they attract media or mass attention is through paranoia, fear and racism. Yes, racism. Considering America is a land filled with immigrants, the whole idea of the 'Birther' movement is racist. Just because someone isn't born in the country doesn't make them any less able to serve than a red neck in Mississippi. How did most Americans get there in the first place? Oh yes, that's right by snatching away land from the Native Americans and basically ousting them from what was theirs in every respect. But that's okay. I'm not here to argue whether we should rid the constitution of the 'need to be born on the great American soil to be President' nonsense. That's a separate issue.<br />
The issue at hand is how low will the Sarah Palin and Donald Trump likes go to dodge answering real questions. Obama has fallen for the trap. He stayed above the nonsense for over two years but now with him answering to an unwarranted accusation, he has probably only created more heat for himself. I mean, these people aren't going to stop. They will question his religion, his loyalty to the country, his morals and principles until its election time and the lazy Americans who don't read the news will focus on these facts instead of anything else. <br />
Anyone who says that conservatives demanding Obama's birth proof isn't racist is grossly naive. I don't think this topic would have risen had Obama been a blue eyed blond white guy. It's because his father is from Kenya and he looks different than anyone else been in the White House. Why are people so afraid to admit it. It was a proud day when Obama was elected - a day that will be remembered as a historical turn point in race issues. But the backlash of denial and ignorance has continued since the election in 2008 and sadly has only gotten worse among the crazies.<br />
Donald Trump has boldly stated that he is 'proud' of himself for having Obama answer to an undignified demand. Yes, you should be proud Trump. Proud that you wasted precious time that the President could have spent on constructive problem solving and 'real' problems. Perhaps Don should step out of his sauna and turn on CNN or BBC to realize what's really happening in the world. Believe it or not, the world stretches beyond Hawaii and Alaska.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-31224521742726457982011-04-21T11:50:00.000+05:302011-04-21T11:50:17.805+05:30Can we get some perspective on legal convictions?It's been a proud week for Indians. I don't mean just in India either. You know, aside from the corruption campaign and the great IPL legacy (yeah right), apparently Indians all around the globe are trying their best to make themselves visible. And not necessarily in a good way.<br />
First we have Dr.Death Patel. He's been in the news for a while now. He's the weirdo surgeon who randomly operated on patients and killed 90 or so of them for no good reason. Not that there's a really good reason to kill, but some are better than others. An obsession to perform surgery is definitely towards the bottom of the list. In a nutshell, Dr. Death (he wasn't born with that name, he was given the name by the media, duh!) initially practiced in the US in New York and then Oregon. Both places he was cut off due to his negligence with patients and eventually his practicing license was stripped. Some people should just give up. Well not Dr. Patel. He was determined to perform his serial surgery killings, no matter what. So he moved his 'operation' (pun intended) to Australia. Not like there's not enough prejudice there anyway, but he wanted the limelight. So he moves to Queensland and gets a job - as Director at a hospital! I guess no background checks by the Aussies. Note to self. Ahem.<br />
So finally after vigorous whistle blowing from the nurses and other medical staff his deeds were brought to attention and he was confronted. He fled back to the US but due to extradition (thank you diplomacy) he was returned to Australia and tried in court. He was found guilty (his lawyers weren't that great) and sentenced to seven years. Even though his true murder count was quiet high, they were only able to get him on 3 counts of murder and one permanent injury. Okay, so he destroys or ends lives of 4 people and he is sentenced to 7 years. Wow. Of course, as most irrational people would justify, he thinks his sentence is too long and denies any wrongdoing. Well the good thing is that his appeal is denied, however, he's only gone for 7 years. <br />
Next we have Mr. Dharun Ravi, 18 year old college student in New Jersey, USA. He definitely must have some serious issues because he was caught secretly taping his roommate's (who happens to be gay) sexual encounter with his partner and then later posting it online. But it doesn't end there. When he was reported and being investigated by, well investigators, he tried to delete his online posts (via twitter) and talk witnesses out of speaking against him. He also passed on false information to the authorities when asked for it. Again, wow. It was bad enough that he was biased and invading someone's privacy, but then he also tried to tamper with evidence and mislead the investigation. Well seems like Mr. Ravi is going to have to pay for that. If he is convicted for the 15 counts he is being tried for, he can face up to 10 years in prison.<br />
Both the incidents are undoubtedly ridiculous. It does seem unfair though that a guy taping and posting something obscene online might get a harsher sentence than a murderer! Different countries have different laws, that is understood. But is privacy in the States really more important than a life in Australia? <br />
Further evaluation needed.<br />
Oh, and Indians, stop messing up in foreign countries! It makes us all look bad!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-43335910799750588052011-04-13T14:00:00.000+05:302011-04-13T14:00:08.522+05:30Spicy people spice up on governmental blandness..My recent rant in the last blog posted was heard by a higher power. Recent events in New Delhi definitely signal to that possibility. Late last week, a social activist Anna Hazare from Maharashtra went on a hunger strike demanding 're-conception' of a "India Against Corruption" bill locally known as the Jan Lokpal Bill. Currently the government has a bill in place that is responsible for following up on corruption charges against government officials, but clearly this bill is not being exercised with full potentiality. <br />
I don't really want to bore with the minute details of the amendments in policy that the new bill will bring, but in summary this bill gives the average citizen the power to report corrupt doings by a government official and actually demand a consequence or punishment. It was interesting to see the youth of Delhi (all of India, actually) get riled up about a civic issue. Whenever I am in conversation with someone about how frustrating certain chores and dealing with government entities can be, I'm always given a simple response: It's just like this in India, can't do much about it. <br />
Well, I guess the addictive zest for protest among people has swept along with some radiation (haha) from the rest of the globe. Mr. Hazare stirred up the population using non-violent resorts in order to demand something from the government, which is very well deserved in the world's largest democratic nation. Politicians will be politicians, of course. They got agitated and bounced back saying that giving people the power to put an official to trial is giving them too much power that can be misused.<br />
But seriously? It was rather astonishing to see how many politicians were openly arguing that this bill was a bad idea. How so? Unless one is afraid of getting prosecuted due to corruption themselves, why would a 'public servant' be opposed to giving people the power to punish the system abusers. Even young politicians, such as Rahul Gandhi, didn't find it necessary to come show support for this bill on national television. I guess corrupt politicians are too afraid to take a stand. After all, how will their campaigns get funded if they don't support this bogus mindset of "buying into power" or "excuse granted in exchange of rupees" program. Perhaps a youth leader that can take this policy forward and be an example to others needs to take over this Gandhi legacy that's so prevalent in India since partition. It's a little overwhelming with no backing.<br />
This India Against Corruption policy to fully take effect is the first step that India can take as a third world country to join the league of developed countries. Not that corruption doesn't exist in the Americas. Oh, it is so omnipresent there in the higher levels of institutions, including the government. But an average police officer will not seek a bribe when he pulls you over, neither will a court clerk demand money in exchange for speedy service. It is safe to assume that most everyday tasks don't include bribery. That's why civilians obey basic rules of the road, have common courtesy when standing in lines, littering, accidents, etc. There is a regard for consequences. You can't buy your way out of everything. <br />
So this is a good thing. A good start anyway. Let's see where this will take us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-49974981165079663242011-04-06T13:29:00.000+05:302011-04-06T13:29:54.476+05:30Incompetence needs attention!Being a US Citizen in India is more inconvenient than it seems. Not only can I not get a driver's license, I also cannot open a bank account. Residential proof is a basic requirement for anything related to civic rights! After my initial few weeks here last year, I tried to figure out what exactly I needed to get a residential proof, but after 4 trips to different government offices over 2 weeks, I realized that the only solution to my problem was a Marriage Certificate. Hence, I got married. Just kidding. Ha. <br />
So, after a couple months of settling in to my new life, I figured it was time to apply for a legal marriage document which in turn would serve as my residential proof and lead to my regularity in everyday chores. Sounds easier than it is. Government office workers are not only difficult to get a hold of, they are also very useless when specific information is needed. We drove to the office three times before they finally figured out what we needed just in order to apply for a certificate! Okay, I do understand the minor confusion considering that I'm not Indian by nationality and so they need additional confirmations, etc. but the speed (or lack of rather) at which we were given feedback was astonishing. <br />
Finally, after a few trips and signatures of key people, we got our date for April 5, 2011 at 10:30 am. Arjun and I called off work for the first half of the day and figured 2 hours would suffice in getting our document. Wrong! The magistrate in charge of signing the document was absent...for 4 hours of the day. Seriously. Dozens of people waiting, missing their day at work, extending planned absences just so an authoritative person, who deems his presence important solely on his own schedule, can show up to work on time. Ridiculous!<br />
After much speculation, frustration, and agitation, the Honorable showed up to work, signed our papers and finally gave us our certificate. Phew.<br />
Next on my agenda: Driver's license and a state bank account. I was dreading the preparation for these formalities. Since we had to take the whole day off, thanks to the sub-magistrate, we figured why not go open a bank account for me through a state bank. I was TRYING to avoid the corporate financial institutions due to their annoying sales calls or investment strategies. So I tried my luck at Punjab National Bank (PNB). <br />
Stepping foot into PNB was an experience. Not only did we not get noticed for about ten minutes, we were actually actively ignored when we did ask for help. The employees were engaging in discouraging conversations with account holders and potential clients. When I expressed my interest to open an account, I was told that due to my situation (not having an Indian passport), they don't know if they can help me out - at all. We asked for an either/or decision since we didn't want to waste any more time. No response. Seeing the unprofessional demeanor of the 5 employees there, I was surprised that this bank even continues to have customers. We walked out and decided to try out luck at a private bank. Score! Within seconds we were helped by two associates and given undivided attention. It was ample clear then - corporations are viewed as evil, blood sucking monsters most times (!) but when it comes to customer service, no central or state government office in India can ever compete with them.<br />
This might not seem surprising to most people living here, but the incompetence related to basic information and customer service by government workers is worth a rant. There are flaws in the system that prevent most employees from doing their jobs to the full capacity, agreed, but their nonchalant and careless attitude is the reason why most people in India don't have any respect for authority. Indian government officials higher up in the order have become numb to the constant nagging from the civilians that cannot get used to this nonsense, but they actually need to pay more attention to such appeals. I am a fan of India and will continue to be so, but on most days dealing with such indifference on basic services makes it very difficult to be proud to be an Indian. Thank God India won the World Cup, patriotism will linger for a couple more weeks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637221718713087273.post-83839477129637533012011-03-30T10:58:00.000+05:302011-03-30T10:58:17.862+05:30Who needs diplomacy when there's cricket!So much craziness happening in the world right now. I generally refrain from commenting on big happenings such as Egypt, Libya, Japan like incidents because there is just too much being said already. You can't possibly do justice to such occurrences without being at "Ground Zero", if you will.<br />
However, being in New Delhi and witnessing the madness surrounding the India-Pakistan World Cup Semi Final cricket match is an experience, to say the least. The 'sophisticated' cricket fans try to be politically correct and state that this is after all just a game and that someone has to lose, no matter what. But scratch a little bit beneath the surface and it becomes ample clear that this is SO much bigger than just a game. It is a build up of every political, cultural, social disagreement, event, misunderstanding between the two conflicting countries and this match actually signifies who is the weak one to succumb to pressure. <br />
I am not a cricket lover. I have actually always found the game quiet long, drawn out and boring. But I have totally fallen prey to the hype of this upcoming match and it's really amazing to see myself get dragged in to the 'mob mentality'. People have dropped their important meetings, plans, deadlines just so they could witness this happening live. This is so extreme that the local vegetable seller who comes to our house on his little cycle cart has called off work too! That's when I knew it was serious. <br />
Perhaps we should not downplay the importance of this game. It is indeed wise to acknowledge that this is just a sport and that it can't possibly do justice to decades of conflict between two countries. But this claim is also incorrect. Cricket is the only mainstream sport in India. Let's get real. Yes, there are hundreds of great athletes who indulge in other sports, but as a mass population cricket is the true winner in getting audiences together. So is the case in Pakistan. They are actually much more attached to the game, according to a recent documentary I saw about the country. A non-terrorist civilian (which accounts for 95% of Pakistan, believe it or not!) has not much going for him and he has no voice in government or social issues. His only motive is to survive and take care of his family. For this class of people, which accounts for a huge chunk of the Pakistani population, cricket is most likely their only activity for leisure. Watching, that is. So Pakistan's performance in the sport has high expectations and is the driving force for a lot of people to turn their television sets on. <br />
Because of past unresolved issues between India and Pakistan that are so in our face now, direct confrontation is a no-bogus competition. Maybe they will never get issues such as Kashmir or Taj bombings or terrorist funding or money laundering resolved in a diplomatic manner, but this cricket match will surely determine who is leading, for now.<br />
Go India!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855480722660371378noreply@blogger.com0